Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities
Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities
Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities
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Recording incidents,<br />
accidents, injuries<br />
or illness<br />
If a child is injured, their parent must<br />
be contacted immediately.<br />
A record of all incidents, accidents,<br />
injuries and illness should be kept<br />
in an incident/accident book to<br />
assist in any insurance claims or in<br />
the identification of the outbreak<br />
of infectious diseases.<br />
The record should include the<br />
day and date, name of the child,<br />
brief description of the incident,<br />
treatment administered to the<br />
child and signature of the crèche<br />
staff member. This should be<br />
counter-signed and dated by the<br />
child’s parent.<br />
To maintain confidentiality a<br />
separate sheet should be used <strong>for</strong><br />
each child.<br />
Ask your insurance company <strong>for</strong><br />
advice about storing records of<br />
incidents, accidents or injuries.<br />
In most circumstances crèche<br />
caregivers would not administer any<br />
medication to children. This would<br />
remain the responsibility of a parent.<br />
Any arrangements made between<br />
parents and staff to administer<br />
medication <strong>for</strong> specific treatment or<br />
allergies should be in writing.<br />
Emergencies<br />
Consult the local government authority about<br />
building requirements <strong>for</strong> emergencies:<br />
• there should be an alternative emergency exit,<br />
ideally with direct access to a safe location<br />
outside the building<br />
• develop emergency/evacuation plans and<br />
practise them<br />
• ensure all staff and parents are aware of their<br />
responsibilities <strong>for</strong> children in an emergency.<br />
The physical environment<br />
The physical environment should be safe and secure<br />
at all times. Check that:<br />
• the building is in sound condition<br />
• there is adequate space, light and ventilation<br />
• heating and cooling equipment is available and<br />
in working order<br />
• entry/exit doors are child safe<br />
• there is easy access <strong>for</strong> wheelchairs and prams<br />
• there is no industrial activity nearby that<br />
might emit fumes or particles that pose a risk<br />
to children’s health<br />
• there is direct access to a telephone<br />
• there is direct access to an outside exit in case<br />
of an emergency<br />
• there is an alternative exit in an emergency<br />
• access to hazardous areas such as swimming<br />
pools is restricted<br />
• flooring is clean, level and free from hazards<br />
• electrical fittings are child safe<br />
• heating equipment and fans are safeguarded<br />
when in use to prevent access by children<br />
• fire and emergency requirements meet standards<br />
set down by local government authorities<br />
• glass areas are shatterproof or protectively<br />
screened<br />
• cleaning products are safely stored and locked out<br />
of children’s reach<br />
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