Principles for implementing duty of care in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings
Outcome 1 Understand how duty of care contributes to safe practice
1.1 Working in a nursery I have a duty of care not just towards the children, but to myself and colleagues. It means I have a legal obligation to ensure others are kept safe from harm, the more vulnerable the child, the greater the duty of care needed. At Qwackers preschool we provide a relaxed and happy environment where the child feels safe and secure, and encourage them to have respect for themselves, other people and the toys and equipment at the play school.
1.2 To ensure children are kept safe at Qwackers daily risk assessments are carried out within the setting to make sure all the play areas inside and outside are safe and remove any potential hazards before each session. Toys and equipment are checked to ensure they are secure and fit for purpose. Chemical hazards such as cleaning sprays and bleach are removed from the setting and stored in a locked cupboard inaccessible to children. All electrical sockets are checked and safety plugs are fitted when not in use. Areas in which food is prepared are cleaned with antibacterial cleaner to avoid the spread of bacteria and germs, food is stored away correctly.
Broken equipment is identified and removed immediately from the setting to avoid the children being harmed, records are kept and displayed in each play room.
We have set boundaries for behaviour to make children aware that bad behaviour is unacceptable towards others and equipment and to encourage them to understand how to share and take turns and be responsible for their own actions. When any unwanted behaviour occurs we will intervene in a calm and positive manor, if a situation occurs where the child may hurt themselves or somebody else then the child will be moved to a quieter area if this is not possible any surrounding children will be moved away from the child who has become unsettled. Parents will be informed if a child continues with behaviour issues in a setting and if we feel additional support is needed.
Assessments and observations are carried out on the children’s development according to the EYFS so we can identify if any child needs additional support.
It is my duty of care to protect children from abuse, children are observed and any changes in the child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance is recorded and this confidential information is passed on to my supervisor. Parents or careers are made aware that we have a legal obligation to report any concerns with the Lincolnshire safeguarding children board customer services centre or the police if we feel this is appropriate. I am aware that I have the right to share any concern regarding abuse directly with The Lincolnshire safeguarding children board customer services centre.
Pre-existing injury forms are completed if a child comes into nursery and the parent/carer tells us of any marks/scrapes on the child or a member of staff notices a mark on them, the form is signed by the parent/carer at the end of the session.
My work role requires me to be first aid trained which I need to ensure I review regularly and keep up to date. In the event of a minor injury first aid will be applied to a child where necessary and the parents informed. If a more serious injury occurs or the child becomes worryingly ill emergency services are called and the parents are contacted immediately. Accident forms are completed if a child becomes injured in a setting either due to an accident or an incident involving another child. Parents are informed at the end of the setting and advised to observe the child and seek medical advice if they feel it is necessary.
Outcome 2 Know how to address conflicts or dilemmas that may arise between an individual’s rights and the duty of care
2.1 Conflicts and Dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights could be
