4.1 Explain policies and procedures in own setting that cover health, safety and protection of babies and young children

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Explain policies and procedures in own setting that cover health, safety and protection of babies and young children.

Policies and procedures in early years settings provide clear rules, guidance and responsibilities for keeping babies and young children safe. They set out what staff must do and help create a safe environment. Every setting should have them written down, made available to staff and updated regularly.

Health, safety and protection policies cover areas such as risk assessment, safeguarding, hygiene, accident reporting, and security. Procedures explain step-by-step actions to follow in particular situations.

Policies are informed by UK laws including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. These laws require settings to protect children from harm, meet their health needs and keep them safe.

Effective policies are specific to the age group in the setting. Babies and toddlers have particular needs because they are more vulnerable. This means policies must consider risks linked to their stage of development, their inability to communicate clearly, and their greater sensitivity to illness.

Risk Assessment Policy

Risk assessments help staff identify hazards and plan how to remove or lessen danger. The policy explains when assessments must be done and who is responsible.

In an early years setting the risk assessment policy might state:

• Daily checks of rooms and outdoor areas before children arrive
• Recording hazards found and the action taken
• Reviewing activities for safety issues before introducing them
• Considering risks specific to babies, such as choking hazards from small items

Risk assessments protect children by stopping problems before they happen. The policy may require that completed risk assessments are dated and signed so there is proof of safety checks.

Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding means protecting children from abuse and neglect. The policy lists signs of possible harm and explains how staff must respond.

It often includes:

• How to recognise physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect
• Who the designated safeguarding lead is and how to contact them
• How to record and report concerns using secure forms
• When and how to contact local safeguarding partners or Social Services

This policy is based on statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children. It requires staff to act quickly if they suspect harm. Babies and young children cannot explain what is happening to them, so staff must be particularly observant.

Procedures include checking identification of anyone collecting a child, never leaving children alone with an unvetted adult, and ensuring staff have regular safeguarding training. This keeps the setting alert to possible risk.

Hygiene Policy

Hygiene policies keep children healthy and reduce infections. Babies and young children are more likely to become unwell because their immune systems are developing and they often put their hands or toys in their mouths.

The hygiene policy generally requires:

• Handwashing for staff and children at key times such as before meals and after toileting or nappy changing
• Regular cleaning of toys, furniture and changing areas
• Safe storage and preparation of food and bottles
• Use of personal protective equipment like gloves for nappy changing
• Keeping cleaning products locked away and out of reach

Procedures may explain how to clean different items, how often tasks are carried out, and how to record that they have been completed. Good hygiene ensures the setting meets Public Health England guidance.

Accident and Incident Policy

This policy explains how to deal with injuries, accidents or unexpected events. Babies and toddlers are active and curious which increases the chance of minor accidents.

The policy usually covers:

• Giving first aid in line with training
• Contacting emergency services if needed
• Informing parents promptly and in writing
• Recording incidents in an accident book with date, time, place, description and action taken
• Investigating incidents to see if safety improvements are needed

Procedures detail how to keep the child calm, how to keep other children safe during the event, and who should complete the report. This ensures all accidents are documented and improvements made.

Security Policy

Security policies protect children from being taken by someone not authorised or from strangers entering the premises.

In an early years setting these policies may require:

• Locked external doors during sessions
• A visitor sign-in book and identity checks
• Staff supervision in entrances and exits
• Checking passwords or identification for adults collecting children

Procedures often explain how to challenge an unknown adult, how to manage the collection process at busy times, and how to deal with a security breach. Keeping young children secure is part of safeguarding.

Fire Safety Policy

Fire safety policies prepare staff to protect children in case of fire. Babies and toddlers need to be carried or escorted, so extra planning is important.

The policy usually includes:

• Regular fire drills so staff and children know what to do
• Clear escape routes free from obstructions
• Location of fire extinguishers and alarms
• Roles and responsibilities in a drill or actual fire
• Keeping fire exits locked from the outside but easy to open from inside

Procedures might describe how to evacuate babies from cots, how to gather children in a designated safe area, and how to call the fire brigade. Records of fire drills show that the setting is ready for emergencies.

Food Safety Policy

Food safety protects children from choking and from illness caused by poor food handling. The policy is guided by the Food Standards Agency rules.

For babies and young children it may require:

• Preparing food on clean surfaces
• Washing hands before handling food
• Cutting food into safe sizes to prevent choking
• Keeping hot food or milk at safe temperatures
• Storing ingredients correctly and checking dates

Procedures will often explain how to sterilise bottles, how to heat milk safely, and how to check that children with allergies are protected. Accurate allergy records must be kept and checked every time food is prepared.

Nappy Changing and Toileting Policy

This policy protects health and dignity. It helps to stop the spread of infection and promote comfort for the child.

Key points include:

• Wearing gloves and using clean changing mats
• Never leaving a child unattended on a changing surface
• Cleaning mats after each use
• Disposing of nappies in sealed bins
• Talking to the child respectfully during the process

Procedures often outline how to prepare equipment before changing, how to safely lift children, and how to wash hands afterwards. These protect both child and worker.

Safe Sleep Policy

Safe sleep policies lower the risk of sudden infant death and keep babies comfortable.

The policy might require:

• Placing babies on their backs to sleep
• Using a firm mattress with fitted sheet
• Avoiding pillows, loose blankets or toys in cots
• Checking sleeping babies regularly
• Keeping the sleeping area at a comfortable temperature

Procedures show exactly how to check a baby’s breathing, how to position a baby, and how to record sleep checks. Following this policy shows parents the setting cares about safe sleeping practices.

Medicines Policy

Medicine policies control how medication is stored, given and recorded.

Policies may state:

• Only giving medicine with written parent consent
• Storing medicine in locked cupboards or fridges
• Checking expiry dates before giving medicine
• Recording the dose, time and who gave it
• Having two adults check the medicine before it is given

Procedures explain how to deal with emergency medication like inhalers or EpiPens. Staff need training so they are confident when giving medicine to young children.

Behaviour Management Policy

Behaviour policies explain how staff respond to different behaviours in a positive way. While babies and toddlers do not have complex behaviours like older children, there may be times when they bite, scratch or throw toys.

Policies often state:

• Using distraction rather than punishment
• Speaking calmly to children
• Encouraging sharing and gentle play
• Recording repeated incidents and discussing with parents

Procedures guide staff on how to comfort a child who has been hurt, how to keep both children safe, and how to explain incidents without blaming.

Protecting Against Trips and Falls

Policies should address prevention of trips and falls. Babies learning to walk and toddlers running indoors can be at risk.

The policy might require:

• Keeping floors clear of toys and clutter
• Mopping spills immediately
• Using non-slip mats or rugs
• Supervising climbing equipment

Procedures include checking outdoor play surfaces and ensuring shoes fit well. These help lower the risk of injury.

Staff Training and Supervision Policy

Policies for staff training ensure everyone knows how to follow safety procedures. Without training, policies are not effective.

This policy may state:

• Induction training for new staff on all health and safety policies
• Ongoing refresher training every year
• Keeping records of staff qualifications
• Supervisors checking practice regularly

Procedures might include methods for observing staff work, giving feedback, and updating training when laws change.

Communication with Parents Policy

Sharing safety information with parents builds trust and supports care at home.

This policy may require:

• Giving copies of relevant policies to parents
• Updating parents when policies change
• Informing parents about incidents and actions taken
• Encouraging parents to share health or safety concerns

Procedures might include scheduled meetings, newsletters, or daily verbal updates.

Final Thoughts

Health, safety and protection of babies and young children depends on clear policies and procedures. These documents guide staff in daily practice and during emergencies. They cover physical safety, security, emotional wellbeing, and protection from harm. Every area of care has a written standard and a clear way of doing things.

Following policies is not just a matter of compliance with the law. It gives children a stable, secure environment where they can grow and learn safely. As an early years worker you have the responsibility to read, understand and follow all policies in your setting. Good practice will protect children, reassure parents and keep the whole setting safe.