2.1 Explain policies and procedures for health, safety and security that apply in a playwork context

This. guide will help you answer 2.1 Explain policies and procedures for health, safety and security that apply in a playwork context.

Playwork happens in environments where children and young people are free to explore, create and play. These spaces must be kept safe, secure and healthy without limiting children’s play opportunities. Organisational policies give clear rules. Procedures explain the exact steps to follow. Together they protect children, staff and visitors.

Policies and procedures are based on laws, national guidance, risk management and best practice. Staff must know them well and follow them every day.

Legal Requirements

Playwork settings must follow laws that protect health, safety and security. In the UK, the main laws include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – places duties on employers and employees to keep people safe at work.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004 – sets out duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – requires risk assessments and control measures.
• Food Safety Act 1990 – applies if food is prepared or served on site.
• Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR – applies to storing and using personal information securely.

Policies in a playwork setting should clearly link to these laws. Staff need training to understand what they mean in practice.

Risk Assessment Procedures

Risk assessments check for hazards in the setting. Hazards can cause harm. Risks are the chance that harm will happen.

Procedures normally include:

• Walk through the play space regularly to spot hazards
• Record findings on risk assessment forms
• Decide how serious each hazard is
• Remove or reduce dangers without restricting play
• Review assessments frequently or after changes, incidents or accidents

For example, a loose floorboard in a hall is a hazard. The risk is children tripping. The procedure might involve cordoning off the area and repairing the floor before use.

In playwork, risks are balanced. Staff must allow children to take safe challenges in their play but prevent serious harm.

Accident and Incident Reporting

Accidents and incidents happen in any active environment. Policies state that all events should be recorded.

Procedures often include:

• Giving first aid straight away if needed
• Recording details in the accident book
• Informing parents or carers promptly
• Reporting certain incidents to the local authority or Ofsted
• Keeping records safe for a set period

Accurate reporting helps identify patterns and prevent future harm. It also meets legal requirements.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Every playwork organisation should have a safeguarding policy. This aims to protect children from abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Procedures include:

• All staff complete safeguarding training
• Report concerns immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL)
• Keep detailed factual records of any disclosure or concern
• Avoid promising confidentiality when a child talks about harm
• Follow the organisation’s process for contacting social services when required

Safeguarding is not just about responding to abuse but creating an environment where children feel safe and secure.

Security Policies and Procedures

Security in a playwork setting focuses on controlling access and protecting people and property.

Procedures might include:

• Locking doors and gates during sessions
• Visitor sign-in and badge system
• Monitoring who collects each child and checking identification
• Keeping valuables in a secure office or cupboard
• Using CCTV where appropriate, following data protection law

These measures protect children from strangers and reduce risk of theft or damage.

Fire Safety

Fire safety policies are essential. These set out how to prevent fires and what to do if one starts.

Procedures include:

• Keeping fire exits clear at all times
• Regular testing of fire alarms
• Practising evacuation with children and staff
• Checking fire extinguishers are serviced
• Displaying fire drill plans on walls

Staff must know the fastest and safest routes to evacuate and how to guide children calmly.

Food Hygiene

Playwork settings often provide snacks or meals. Policies follow national food safety standards.

Procedures involve:

• Washing hands before handling food
• Storing food at safe temperatures
• Labelling items with use-by dates
• Cleaning surfaces and equipment before and after use
• Avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods

Poor food hygiene can cause illness. Following procedures keeps children healthy.

Managing Illness and Infection Control

Policies outline how to reduce the spread of illness.

Procedures include:

• Encouraging regular handwashing with soap
• Keeping cleaning products available but safe from children
• Sanitising toys and equipment regularly
• Following exclusion periods for contagious illnesses
• Recording and reporting outbreaks to health authorities as needed

For example, children with sickness and diarrhoea should stay away for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Administering Medication

When medication is needed, procedures guard against mistakes.

Steps often include:

• Written consent from parents or carers before giving any medicine
• Storing medication securely and at required temperature
• Recording each dose given in a logbook
• Only trained staff giving medication
• Checking expiry dates before use

Clear processes reduce errors and protect children’s health.

Supervision Ratios

Policies usually state the minimum number of staff per group of children. Ratios depend on age, needs and activity type.

Procedures ensure:

• Enough staff are on duty before allowing play to start
• Cover for breaks is arranged
• Children are never left unsupervised
• Staff spread across play areas to watch for hazards and offer support

Good supervision helps prevent accidents and supports positive play experiences.

Equipment Safety

Playwork often uses a wide range of play equipment. Policies guide safe purchase, use and maintenance.

Procedures include:

• Choosing equipment suitable for age group and abilities
• Checking for damage before use
• Repairing or removing unsafe items
• Using safety mats where needed
• Providing instructions for safe play

For example, climbing frames should be secured and inspected regularly.

Managing Outdoor Play Areas

Outdoor play offers valuable benefits but can present risks. Policies cover grounds maintenance and hazard control.

Procedures may include:

• Regularly inspecting fences and gates
• Checking surfaces for damage or debris
• Managing plants to avoid poisonous species
• Maintaining lighting for winter afternoons
• Removing litter or animal waste promptly

Outdoor checks support both safety and enjoyment.

Special Needs and Inclusion

Policies should promote inclusion for children with disabilities or other needs.

Procedures might include:

• Adapting play spaces for wheelchair access
• Offering alternative play materials for sensory needs
• Briefing all staff on individual care plans
• Consulting with parents or carers about adjustments

Inclusive practice supports all children’s right to play.

Staff Training and Competence

Policies state that staff must have up-to-date training.

Procedures make this happen through:

• Induction for new staff on all policies
• Annual refresher training
• Specific courses such as first aid or fire marshal training
• Keeping training records

Confident staff follow procedures correctly and act quickly when needed.

Monitoring and Reviewing Policies

Playwork organisations should regularly review health, safety and security policies.

Procedures involve:

• Setting dates for review
• Consulting staff and involving children when appropriate
• Updating policies for law changes or incidents
• Sharing changes promptly with all workers

Review keeps systems effective and relevant.

Final Thoughts

Policies and procedures for health, safety and security in playwork shape the daily actions of staff. They are not just paperwork. They are lived practice in every session. By following them, children have the freedom to play while staying safe.

Workers need to read policies carefully, ask questions when unsure and practise procedures until they become second nature. Health, safety and security are shared responsibilities. In playwork, they protect both the child’s well-being and the adult’s professional role.