Childcare 1: Maintaining the Safety and Security of Children transcript

this video looks at the safety and security needs of children in group care settings you might be working in a day nursery a nursery school a crash or a playgroup one of the cornerstones of early childhood care and education is to offer an exciting range of experiences to children which will stimulate them and extend their skills in all areas of development as they grow you need to be responsive to their changing safety needs at each stage of development this video will help you to identify potential dangers in the childcare environment as well as increase awareness of safety providing a safe environment for children means that you must ensure that the environment and equipment is checked for safety know how to maintain the environment to ensure safety for children know how to supervise children's safety know why accidents happen and how to prevent them encourage children to be aware of their own safety and the safety of others know about safety issues when taking children out of the setting and supporting the safeguarding of children from abuse firstly we'll look at what you can do to ensure that the setting in which you work cares for children in the safest and most secure way [Music] security doors gates and windows should be appropriately fastened access points and fire exits must be unobstructed at all times areas must be secured so that children can't just wander off there must also be a policy which guards against strangers gaining access be sure to politely challenge anyone who is unfamiliar to you or gives you cause for suspicion excuse me can I help you oh just waiting for my wife you must keep a record of all visitors damaged equipment all equipment used for children's play should be checked routinely and any damaged items should be removed and reported to your supervisor I was putting this toy away and it's broken right I'll notice in the report book so can you put in the stock room and I'll ask Jeff to have looked at tomorrow ok plastic toys and equipment can be checked for splits and cracks when you clean them you should always remove any item which presents a safety hazard check wooden equipment such as wooden blocks or wheeled carts for splinters and rough edges sharp objects sharp objects such as scissors and knives must be stored out of children's reach scissors used the craft work should be children's safety scissors water water tray should be checked for cleanliness and to ensure they do not contain broken toys also check the buckets or bowls of water and never left where children could access them as they can drown in water a few inches deep electrical equipment childcare settings have a variety of electrical equipment you need to check that the electric sockets are covered with socket covers when not in use and that there are no trailing wires where children could trip or grab them never attempt to repair any equipment yourself your job is to remove it and report it immediately to your manager or supervisor outdoor play before outdoor play sessions you must check that surfaces are safe for example not icy or slippery and that objects which could cause children harm have been removed check that sand pits are covered overnight or brought indoors to prevent contamination from animals such as cats you should also check that no hazardous litter is in the sand such as sharp sticks broken glass or insects also ensure that children are properly equipped for outdoor play they should always be dressed according to the weather with waterproof coats and wellington boots in wet weather and warm hats and gloves on cold days you also need to ensure that children are protected against strong Sun by following the Sun safety code children playing outside should be supervised at all times if there is open water such as a pond drains or a pool at or near to the setting make sure they're made safe and inaccessible to children and that children are closely supervised at all times when playing with or near water to ensure children's safety you need to be able to identify the hazards at every stage of a child's life you must think again about the hazards that are present and what you can do to eliminate them be aware of the child's interaction with the environment this means understanding the different stages of child develop provide adequate supervision according to each child's age needs and abilities be a good role model make sure you follow the settings health and safety guidelines teach children about safety encourage children to be aware of their own personal safety and the safety of others you [Music]