FAQs: A Day at Nursery

All nurseries have a responsibility to ensure that children are safe. Like many nurseries, Ark Start has in place the following safety measures to ensure children’s wellbeing and safety is prioritised at all times.

1. Childproofing: Nursery environments should be childproofed to prevent accidents. At Ark Start we ensure a full risk assessment has taken place which includes covering electrical outlets, using safety gates, securing heavy furniture to the walls, and ensuring that small objects that can be choking hazards are out of reach.
2. Supervision: Adequate adult supervision is essential. There are legal minimums for the number of staff required with different age children. Ark Start staffs our nurseries with above the legal minimum to ensure there is always a safe level of supervision in  
3. Emergency Plans: Nurseries should have well-defined emergency plans for various situations. Ark Start has detailed plans in place for emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, or natural disasters. Staff are trained on these procedures, and we carry out regular drills.
4. First Aid and Medical Supplies: Ark Start staff are all trained as paediatric first aiders and we have a fully stocked first aid kit available in every setting. Nursery staff must be informed about any specific medical needs of the children, such as allergies or medications to ensure we can put in place a specific plan where necessary.
5. Health and Hygiene Practices: Proper hygiene practices are essential. We ensure regular handwashing for both children and staff, as well as proper changing procedures. Toys and equipment are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
6. Background Checks: Our staff members have all been through a rigorous recruitment and induction process to ensure they are safe and appropriate to work with children.  
7. Secure Entry and Exit: Ark Start nurseries are secure and only known adults can enter the site. We make sure that only authorized individuals can pick up children.
8. Safe Equipment and Play Areas: Play equipment is well maintained and checked regularly. We make sure children can only access equipment that is age appropriate.
9. Fire Safety: Fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems are in place and regularly maintained. Staff and children are educated about fire safety procedures.
10. Medication Protocols: Where necessary, we put in place clear protocols for administering medications to children, including proper documentation.
11. Healthy Food Handling: All our staff are trained in food hygiene and proper food handling and storage practices are followed to prevent foodborne illnesses.
12. Safe Sleep Practices: Safe sleep practices are followed in line with advice from the Lullaby Trust.

You can read our safeguarding and health and safety policies here