HEALTH AND SAFETY

ABOUT US | HEALTH AND SAFETY

INFORMATION

The safety of the children, parents and staff is our number one priority.

At New Horizons Management Services, we ensure our Short break care provides significant respite for carers of children with needs while ensuring the child’s safety through approved and risk-assessed environments. We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to prevent injury and ill health and to ensure all setting practices meet our exceed current health and safety standards. We take all reasonably practicable steps to identify and mitigate risks, promote a culture of of safety and carry out safety procedures across the nursery.

Our services are governed by strict regulations including the Break for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011, making sure that activities are safe and supervised. All settings whether it is community-based or residential is examined to provide a secure and safe environment. A formal assessment of the child and the family of the child’s needs is required to make sure the care provided is suitable. The Care provided is by trained staff with high experience and qualifications to maintain the high standards of health and safety. All of our clients care plans are individualized and tailored to the specific medical, health and behavioural needs of the child. As for Legal Protection, services are supported by The Children Act 2004, The Equality Act 2010 and The Children & Families Act 2014, which ensures all duty of care. Whether the Short break care takes place in the early morning, afternoon or overnight, our care is designed to provide enjoyment for your loved one and a peace of mind for carers, reducing the risk of breakdown in care.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to:

  • Providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children, staff and visitors.
  • Ensuring all staff are trained to recognise hazards and actively protect children form risks.
  • Recording and communicating all incidents and accidents accurately without a delay.
  • Following strict hygiene protocols.
  • Maintaining a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement through regular risk assessments and reviews.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidance:

 

  • Health And Social Care Act 2008
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Health and Safety Work Act 1974
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

RISK ASSESMENT

  • Risk assessments are carried out by management staff.
  • Findings are reported to Mildred.
  • Actions required to mitigate risks are approved and implemented by Mildred.
  • Assessments are reviewed monthly or when there is a change in activity or environment.

TYPES OF RISK ASSESSMENTS COVERED INCLUDES:

  • Falls from heights.
  • COSHH (chemicals and substances).
  • Outdoor play areas.
  • Infection control.
  • Manual handling.
  • Use of equipment and play resources.
  • Food preparation (cross-contamination and food handling).

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

All employees must:

  • Comply with health and safety procedures and policies.
  • Cooperate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters.
  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
  • Report hazards, near misses or incidents.

TRAINING AND COMPETANCY

  • Induction training is provided to all new staff by management.
  • Job-specific training is delivered by the Manager Mildred.
  • Training records are stored securely in the organisation office.
  • Mildred is responsible for arranging and tracking training.

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

  • A fully stocked First Aid kit is kept in each room , with additional mobile kits for outings.
  • Emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly and recorded.
  • Incidents and Accidents are recorded, monitored and reported to parents/carers without delay.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE PRACTICES

We maintain strict hygiene and safety practices, including:

  • Regular cleaning and inspection.
  • Age-appropriate toys and activities (no small toys or difficult tasks for certain age groups).
  • Use of safety equipment.
  • High hygiene standards to prevent cross-infection.
  • Safe transport of children (walking ropes, etc).
  • Outdoor game areas are checked daily for hazards (glass, animal waste, etc).
  • No smoking on Short break care premises or during off-site activities.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy is reviewed at least annually or more frequently if their are any changes in legislation, guidance or operations.

Do you have any questions about our short-breaks care?

You can contact us or see many of the frequently asked questions our families have asked here..

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