Providing a safe healthy environment.

[Enyajeemia]

What factors should be taken into account when planning for a safe environment in an early years setting?

Im SO stuck on these following questions! - my tutor is due in to visit me in 3 days and i need to have these completed!! I feel like im banging my head against a wall!! Can anyone point me in the right direction...? Ill give you a cookie!!
munchcookie

Thanking you muchly!!


1. Evaluate how checks and risk assessments are carried out on equipment and materials, and how do staff supervise the activities?


2. How would you ensure that all staff are made aware of any risks or hazards in your setting?

3. How do you balance the need for children to be kept safe, but also give them the opportunity to take risks and find their own boundaries? Why is it important for children to be able to do this?

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, this is about the practice that happens in your setting.

http://www.silkysteps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18094

The factors as given in the CYP 3.4 unit are

• the individual needs, age and abilities of the children and young people
• specific risks to individuals such as pregnancy, sensory impairments
• the needs of carers where relevant
• the function and purpose of environments and services offered
• duty of care
• desired outcomes for the children and young people
• lines of responsibility and accountability

How do you all check and assess any risks eg. does the setting have steps & railings to get in & out? is there anyone responsible for maintaining the building? What if resources are broken or maybe the sandpit outside is left uncovered & is visited by neighbouring cats? - toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis

How would you ensure everyone knows about risks - during registration or morning assembly time, written notices/signs, speaking with people throughout the day, newsletters & updates shared with home? children's head counts during times of movement - everyone is coming in, everyone is going out, timed occasions where both inside & outside are in use.

How are risk alerts shared in your setting? and then, consider how would you share hazard information if you were in charge? would you do it the same way or change things?

Balancing the need for children to be kept safe and also the need to take risks is about keeping the environment safe with checks and assessments - tragic case of Lydia Bishop & Sophie Redhead , Georgia Hollick and Molly Cunliffe, staff deployment, everyone knowing what's happening that day and what their responsibilities are as well as observational - noticing what's happening, sharing concerns, always raising questions about policy & procedure. It is also about supporting children to recognise the risk that may harm them and how they can stay safe - encouraged to let others know about risky behaviour, dangerous toys, bumps trips & scrapes

A little of why it's important children have opportunities to take risks can be read in Play England's publication: best play

Hth, best wishes with your visit