Cvp3.4_1.1_Describe_the_Factors_to_Take_Into_Account_When_Planning_Healthy_and_Safe_Indoor_and_Outdoor_Environments_and_Services

CVP3.4 1.1 describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services There are number of factors that must be taken into account when planning indoor and outdoor health and safety. Indoor environment * The room and equipment should be checked every morning and evening * The room must be layout to accommodate the age and needs of the children in that room * Making sure that the correct child/adult ratio’s is in place * When planning activities you need to take into account any children with specific needs e.g limited hearing, physical disability or a sensory impairment * Floors should be even and easily cleaned e.g vinyl or lino floor which can be cleaned and sterilised daily * Nappy changing facilities which is cleaned and sterilised before and after each child * There should be sufficient light and air * The heating should be neither too warm or too cold * There should be toilet and washing facilities close by * The entry door must be lockable to prevent unwanted visitors Outdoor environment * The outdoor area should be checked before any children are aloud out * All outdoor equipment must be checked before children go out to play * There should be a range of outdoor toys to accommodate all age, needs and ability’s * The hard ground should be even and easily swept * Grassy areas should be kept tidy and mown regularly * The whole area must be fenced off for security * A shed should be available to store outdoor equipment * making sure children have their own sun cream on The individual needs of each child These must be considered along with the age and ability off each child. We can do this by, making sure the resources used are age and stage appropriate and they carry the safety marks. Specific needs We need to take into account and accommodate children with specific need such as hearing impairment; we can do this by providing visual aids for them or sign language so they are aware of health and safety for example: placing pictures of hand being washed near toilets, if the child was running indoors you could show them a visual of a picture where it is made clear that you walk not run in doors. Making sure you are always within sight of the child whist also allowing them to enjoy their environment. The needs of families and carers “Planning should always recognise the needs of families. For example, a setting may have an outbreak of a notifiable infectious disease, such as rubella. This disease can still affect the unborn child in women who are pregnant. It is also important that parents and carers are routinely informed of such occurrences so that they can help maintain their own and their family’s health.”(Meggitt et all,2011) It is also important to give parents and carers information on health and safety or if they cannot read hold a meeting. For those where English is not there first language you can give out information written in their home language. It is also important that all staff members know the health and safety policies and that the policies are kept up to date. The function and purpose of environment and services offered It is important that when we are planning activities we make sure it is the right environment for the activity. For example if you were using bikes and scooters you would ensure they were used in the correct way and with plenty of space. So in my setting we would not use them indoors because there would not be enough space they would only be used outside. When using the environment it is important to make sure the children have enough space that is required for the planned activity. When using the outdoor area make sure that there is no other equipment or garden furniture lying around that will pose a threat. Also making sure there is no dog or cat mess in the outdoor area. The duty of care “The duty of care of a setting to children, parents and carers is a legal obligation. You should always have the child’s safety and welfare uppermost in your mind when planning.”(Tassoni et all 2010) For example when planning, take into account the health and safety policy. Desired out comes for children and young people “All settings must use the statutory desired outcomes relevant to the age group of children provided for. In the EYFS, two of the desired outcomes are be healthy and be safe.”(Meggitt et all 2011) Lines of responsibility and accountability All staff members are responsible and accountable for the health and safety of every child in their setting. For example if you walk though one of the rooms in your setting and see one child hit another it is your responsibility to do something about it not just the staff in that room.