LO 1.2 Explain child protection within the wider concept of safeguarding children and young people.
Safeguarding is about protecting children from harm, injury, illness and abuse. Below is some of the legislation that guides practice in relation to protecting children.
Legislation
Brief description
An example of how this is implemented in workplace policies and procedures
Health and Safety Northern Ireland Order 1978)
Employers’ responsibility: To maintain a safe environment. Ensure safety procedures are followed. Provide health and safety information for employees.
Employees Responsibility: To follow health and safety procedures. Ensure they use any safety equipment provided. To attend training in relation to health and safety.
All staff jointly agree on the policies and procedures. During induction all staff are provided with the health and safety handbook outlining all policies and procedures which are made available to parents and users of the setting. Training is provided for all staff.
Staff attend training and also carry out risk assessments
Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 (2011)
Toys should be safety marked and meet UK and European Standards. They should clearly identify the appropriate age group for use.
All toys and resources are age and developmentally appropriate for children. They are regularly checked for broken parts or loose parts which may cause injury to a child.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
(NI) 2003
Identifies the need to store chemicals that can cause harm or injury securely i.e. burns. These chemicals must be clearly marked and stored in correct containers and have secure lids. They must be used properly and have clear instructions for use.
All cleaning material and chemicals are stored in a room where only the caretaker or cleaners have access too. The cleaner is provided with protective clothing and gloves when using cleaning agents.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Provides advice for employers and employees on lifting and handling people and objects. This protects against back injuries.
In my setting we our taught how to lift books, resources and children in a safe manner. We bend our knees when lifting heavy objects like boxes and reams of paper.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995
(NI)1997
States the requirement for staff to record certain illnesses e.g. meningitis, food poisoning, death in the setting and also to record accidents especially those that require absences from work or the setting. They must be reported to The Health Executive.
We have an accident report book that must be completed when an employee or child has been hurt. Any information must be shared with the childs’ parent in case of further attention needed. The parent will then sign the accident report form to show they have been informed of the incident.
Food Safety Act 1990, (NI) Order 1991, Food Regulations (NI) 2006 Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995
Sets out the responsibilities of staff that prepare food, to store, prepare and serve food safely. The regulations set out the need for staff who handle food to be trained and have a food handling certificate.
Fridges are maintained at the correct temperature. Staff all wear hair nets when dealing with food. Use different chopping boards for raw and cooked food. They keep a sample of any food served for 24hrs in case of food poisoning so that the food can be tested.
Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
These regulations set standards for fire safety equipment that must be checked e.g. fire blankets, extinguishers, fire doors and alarms. They provide information on the use of fire safety equipment and the evacuation of building.
In my setting we carry out a