8.2 Maintaining children's safety

8.2 Maintaining children’s safety and security on premises

Policy statement

We maintain the highest possible security of our premises to ensure that each child is safely cared for during their time with us.

Procedures

Children's personal safety

We ensure all employed staff have been checked for criminal records via an enhanced disclosure with children’s barred list check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Adults do not supervise children on their own, unless to protect their privacy in the bathroom. In which instance they will inform other staff members that they are helping a child in the bathroom.
All children are supervised by adults at all times.
Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults are present.
We carry out risk assessments to ensure children are not made vulnerable within any part of our premises, nor by any activity. Risk assessments are reviewed annually,

Security

Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. One member of staff stands at the inner door recording the times that the children arrive. The remaining staff are in the hall. The times of the children's arrivals and departures are recorded.
The arrival and departure times of adults – staff, volunteers and visitors are recorded.
Visitors and parents are requested to put their mobile phones in the phone box along with the staff’s phones.
Our systems prevent unauthorised access to our premises.
Our staff check the identity of any person who is not known before they enter the premises.
Our systems prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed. An alarm is in place on the door, and all doors are locked for the duration of the session.
We only allow access to visitors with prior appointments, unless authorised by the manager or deputy.

The door is alarmed throughout sessions for additional security.
We keep front doors and gates locked shut at all times. Back doors are kept locked shut at all times where they may lead to a public or unsupervised area.
A password system is in place if a child is collected by somebody unfamiliar to the setting.
We have installed a ‘spy hole’ in the main door at a suitable height. If staff are unable to see who is at the door, they are to make another member of staff aware that they are answering the door. We also have a ring doorbell so we have another way of seeing who is at the door.
The personal possessions of staff and volunteers are securely stored during sessions.
Minimal petty cash is kept on the premises and locked in the filing cabinet.