Rationale: All teachers strive to provide, for the welfare of the children, a safe and stimulating environment. Teachers must also take steps to ensure their own safety at work.
Procedures
• Teachers must at all times follow the instructions of the Directors regarding health and safety. • All teachers will take every precaution to ensure children, other staff, students, parents and visitors to the building are safe from harm. • All teachers hold current first aid certificates. • Records are kept in the form of accident, medicine, illness and maintenance books. • Earthquake, fi re and civil defence drills and strategies are in place. • We employ a cleaner who ensures the centre is clean and tidy for the beginning of each school day. • We employ a cook who prepares meals in accordance with the national nutritional guidelines for under-fives. • Teachers check the grounds at the beginning of each day. Any dangerous items are removed or isolated until they can be repaired or replaced. • A maintenance book is kept recording every repair and maintenance job done on any land, buildings and equipment. • Painting of the buildings will be undertaken when required. • All teachers must follow correct procedures for lifting equipment and/or children to protect their backs. • All teachers must monitor their health to ensure that they are fi t to work with children in line with the Early Childhood Regulations. • Poisons are kept in teacher-only areas. • First aid kit is kept replenished. • Disposable gloves are used for nappy changing and first aid. • Correct cleaning materials are used for specific purposes. • Staff and management will follow all procedures to keep compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
