1.3. Identify sources of current guidance for planning healthy and safe environments and services

This guide will help you answer 1.3. Identify sources of current guidance for planning healthy and safe environments and services.

When working with children and young people, it’s important to create safe and healthy environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Ensuring these environments meet safety and health standards is a key part of your responsibilities. To achieve this, you need access to up-to-date guidance from reliable sources.

Guidance comes from a variety of organisations and frameworks. In this guide, we cover some of the key sources of information to help you consistently plan healthy and safe environments for children and young people.

Legislation and Government Guidance

Legislation is the foundation for understanding health and safety requirements in childcare and educational settings. It provides the legal framework to ensure safety standards are consistently applied.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This cornerstone legislation ensures employers are responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of all employees and others affected by their work. This includes children and young people in care settings. The Act requires you to:

• Have a written health and safety policy.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to prevent harm.
• Provide staff with adequate training in health and safety.

The Children Act 1989 and 2004

The Children Act outlines the duty of care for anyone working with children. The 2004 amendment enhances safeguarding protections, focusing on promoting the welfare of every child. Following this Act ensures children remain at the centre of planning healthy and safe environments.

The Equality Act 2010

The Act ensures all children, regardless of disability, gender, or cultural background, are given equal access to safe and healthy learning environments. It reminds practitioners to plan spaces and services inclusively.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This regulation works alongside the Health and Safety at Work Act. It provides specific actions employers must take, including:

• Risk assessments for specific health and safety hazards.
• Health and safety arrangements tailored to childcare settings.
• Consultation and involvement of employees in safety measures.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

If you work in childcare, you’re responsible for managing cleaning materials, art supplies, or medicines. COSHH provides guidance on safely storing and handling these hazardous substances. It also details how to reduce risks to children, staff, and visitors.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

This government statutory guidance is relevant for schools and early-years settings. Published annually, it highlights safeguarding requirements and how environments should be maintained to protect children from harm.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The HSE is the national regulator for workplace health and safety in Great Britain. It offers practical guidance on creating healthy and safe working environments. For childcare settings, the HSE provides advice on:

• Risk assessments.
• Playground safety.
• Lifting and carrying children safely.
• Managing hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls.

Their website offers helpful templates, resources, and case studies to support planning in educational and childcare settings.

Public Health England (PHE) / UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Public Health England (now replaced by UKHSA) gives guidance on topics such as infection control, hygiene protocols, and promoting healthy living. As part of your setting’s planning, these resources can help you develop policies for:

• Handwashing techniques.
• Handling illnesses or outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19).
• Teaching children about health and hygiene.

Guidance aimed at schools, nurseries, and early-years providers focuses on minimising the spread of infections and promoting daily practices that support overall health.

Ofsted Inspection Guidelines

Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) inspections focus on all aspects of childcare provision. Their Early Years Inspection Handbook provides benchmarks and standards for maintaining safety and health in early-years settings. Points Ofsted pays attention to include:

• Safeguarding policies and staff training.
• Physical safety measures (e.g., secure entry/exit points, furniture safety).
• Outdoor play conditions.
• First-aid readiness and accident procedures.

Consulting Ofsted resources can keep your setting compliant while meeting health and safety requirements.

National Standards and Frameworks

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework

The EYFS framework provides statutory guidance for all early-years providers. It outlines safeguarding protocols and health and safety standards for children from birth to 5 years old. Key points include:

• Regular safety checks of the physical environment.
• Adherence to staff-to-child ratios.
• First-aid qualifications for at least one practitioner onsite.

Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs)

These plans are for children with special educational needs or disabilities. They provide tailored guidance on creating environments that meet the needs of specific children. These plans often include advice from professionals like occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

Organisations Offering Practical Resources

Sometimes your setting will benefit from specific organisations that give practical advice for creating healthy and safe environments, such as:

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

RoSPA offers guidance on accident prevention in childcare settings. Their resources focus on playground safety, road safety education, and managing common risks faced by young children.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)

CAPT works to minimise risks of accidents and injuries to children. They provide training materials and campaigns on childproofing areas, preventing burns, and ensuring safety in outdoor spaces.

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BSI develops standards for safe equipment in childcare settings. For example, they ensure cots, furniture, and playground apparatus meet safety requirements.

Local Authorities

Local councils provide additional health and safety guidance in childcare and educational settings. They may have resources on:

• Training sessions for staff.
• Information on local safeguarding partnerships.
• Policies for managing fire safety, food safety, and building regulations.

Settings should make contact with their Local Authority Officer, often an Early Years Advisor, to keep updated on regulations and good practices relevant locally.

Organisational Resources

Many childcare organisations have their own policies and procedures that set internal health and safety expectations. These are often based on national guidance and tailored for the specific nature of the organisation.

For example:

• Risk assessment templates and fire drill plans.
• Staff handbooks on best practices.
• Continuous professional development (CPD) sessions for staff.

Consulting internal documentation is a practical way to stay aligned with organisational expectations.

Training and Professional Development

Online courses and in-person training help you stay up to date with the latest health and safety practices. Accredited organisations like the NSPCC or nationally recognised CPD providers often deliver training specific to child-centred practice.

Topics may include:

• Safeguarding awareness.
• First-aid training for paediatric emergencies.
• Understanding mental health and emotional wellbeing concerns.

Consider training as a regular tool to refresh and enhance your knowledge base for health and safety planning.

Community Health Visitors and Professionals

Health visitors, school nurses, and other professionals can provide support and guidance tailored to the children in your care. They may share advice on:

• Creating allergy-friendly environments.
• Addressing sensory or behavioural needs.
• Promoting healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

Engaging with these professionals can make your health and safety practices more effective.

Conclusion

Planning healthy and safe environments for children and young people is an ongoing responsibility. To maintain a high standard of care, you must keep your knowledge current. By consulting legislation, professional organisations, and guidance from health and safety experts, you can effectively shape environments where every child thrives.

By working with these sources, you’ll ensure compliance and contribute to the wellbeing, safety, and development of those in your care. Always aim to review your knowledge and practices periodically to stay in line with any regulatory changes or updates.