Safety_Monitering

Safety Monitoring When it comes to designing the childcare environment it has to be a stimulating environment for the child’s education and development. Child careers must keep in mind that the environment has to be absolutely safe and secure. It is very important that a set of rules will be established and that they are carried out daily, weekly and monthly. Daily cleaning routines • All surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth. • Floors, surfaces and toilet area must be checked on regular basis for cleanliness and hygiene. • Rugs and carpets must be vacuumed daily when the children are not present this also applies if the carpet/rug are small. • Toys which are being used by babies under 1 year must be disinfected daily. • Dolls, saucepans and food need to be included in the checking and regular washing procedures. • Any item soiled with blood or bodily fluid must be cleaned immediately this also includes floors. • Changing tables must be cleaned and sanitized after each child’s use. • Sand trays should be kept clean by sieving and washing the sand regularly. • Waste bins must be covered and empty them regularly. Daily plan • A toy that has been in contact with a child who had an infectious illness must be removed. • Plastic toys must be checked daily for any cracks or splits. Any toy that has cracks or splits in them should be thrown out, as these can harbour germs. • Tissues, wipes and paper towels must be used frequently and deposed in covered bins. • In order to prevent head lice hats, hairbrushes and head coverings must be cleaned. • Ventilation is also important to prevent bacteria or viruses transmitted by sneezing or coughing. Windows must be kept opened to allow fresh air in the room, however one should notice that there are no draughts. • Check the outdoors play area daily for any objects, which could cause children’s harm and that, the surface is safe to play. This needs to be done before outdoor play sessions. • For everyone’s health, staff and visitors must observe a non-smoking policy. • Learning environment checked daily for dangerous objects. Weekly plan • Large toys and playing equipment including dress up clothes and hats must be washed weekly. • Washable furniture (including fabrics on infant equipment) must be washed and cleaned weekly. If any infant equipment is covered with slipcovers they must be removed immediately and washed. • First aid box is checked to replace used items. Monthly plan • Keep all electrical appliances and items with electrical cords out of reach of children. Young children tend to reach and pull on items that they see. • Fire detectors are in working order. • Fire extinguishers should be kept close at hand and one should know where they are and how to use them. • Electrical equipment such as air conditioners and fans should be regularly checked for any faults. • All electrical outlets should be covered. • Any faulty equipment or plugs must be replaced. In case of fire or other emergency one must know exactly what needs to be done to evacuate the children to safety (as per T. Bruce and C. Meggit (pg .no .180) the following rules must be followed: • Handbags containing matches or lighters must be locked securely away out of children’s reach. • The nursery cooker should not be left unattended when turned on.