Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.3: Use legislation relating to the health and safety of children
Learning outcome: Understand legislation and guidelines for health and safety
Assessment criteria: Describe the roles and responsibilities of the Early Years practitioner in relation to policies and procedure for health and safety
It is essential that Early Years practitioners adhere to the policies and procedures of the setting. This ensures that the environment is safe and secure for both the children and practitioners.
Some of the key responsibilities of practitioners that relate to health and safety in Early Years settings include:
- Risk assessments: all Early Years settings must carry out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards. These should be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.
- Health and safety policy: every setting should have a written health and safety policy outlining the procedures in place to minimise risks.
- Safe working practices: all staff should be aware of the safe working practices that are in place in the setting, such as correct manual handling techniques.
- First aid: all Early Years settings must have at least one member of staff who is trained in first aid. This person should be responsible for administering first aid in the event of an accident or illness.
- Emergency procedures: all staff should be familiar with the emergency procedures that are in place in the setting, such as evacuating the premises in the event of a fire.
- Reporting concerns: if staff have any concerns about health and safety, they should report this to the manager immediately.