Planning Healthy and Safe Environments for Childrens

Factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services

when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services I need to think about the child's safety and welfare and keep it uppermost in mind. I also need to think about others that will work in the setting, carers, administrators etc, and those who will visit the setting, such as families, social workers, health care nurses etc. most importantly I need to make sure no one is exposed to any kind of hazards, also when planning the environment I need to think about every individual and their particular needs, I will give more consideration to those who have less abilities and provide them with equipment that meets their requirements. Some children have specific needs, such as as sensory impairments, eg. a child with limited hearing will have more challenge listening to explanations about safety, such a child will be given a one to one explanation using a more expressive form of communication, and I will display safety signs around the building in the appropriate areas in sight of children making them aware of any dangers and hazards after explaining to them what each sign means. I will make sure that the indoor environment is provided with safe and suitable equipment meeting the needs of every child. I will need to plan big open spaces in which they will feel comfortable and safe in, also I will set separate areas for activities, such as eating area, rest area, quiet area, reading area, play area, working area, and also an area for physical play, such as gym, I need to make sure there is sufficient lighting, and adequate heating not too warm or cold. Toilet and washing facilities should be kept close by, floors should be kept even and made to be easily cleaned. Preferably with a vinyl or lino floor. I need to have great concern for hygiene, floors should be cleaned daily and rubbish bins should be emptied on a daily basis, toilets and washing area should be cleaned thoroughly at the end of the day, but also floor should be dried after washing hands etc. to avoid and slips or falls. Food area should also be cleaned straight after everyone has eaten, tables should be wiped using disinfectant, and floors should be swept and mopped again to avoid any slips or falls over drink or pieces of food that might have been spilt or dropped on the floor. Utensils and plates should be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned straight after being used. Also classroom should have fire exits and extinguishers should be placed in accessible areas. Corridors must be empty and spacious for children and anyone else to pass through easily and safely. All stairs used by children on a daily basis should be equipped with age appropriate height handrails and non slip material. To protect the safety of the children and others in the setting the entry door of the building must be lockable to prevent unwanted visitors. As well as the indoor environment I need to keep the outdoor environment safe and healthy in order to assure this I need to make sure Outdoor space is easily accessible and available for all young children, including those with physical or other disabilities, the hard ground should be kept even and easily swept, grassy areas should be kept tidy and mowed regularly. Rubbish must be removed at least daily, playground toys such as bikes and climbing frame should be safe and suitable for certain age groups. If there are and plants around the children, I must see that these do not pose a threat. most importantly the whole area must be fenced for security and the gate locked at all times.