Nurseries and early years, UK wide
Childcare Health and Safety
When the people in your care are young children, the margin for error is small. AL23 Safety helps nurseries, pre-schools and childcare settings across the UK manage health and safety properly so you can give children a safe environment and give parents confidence. We handle the physical safety side that sits alongside your EYFS welfare duties.
Why it matters in childcare
The risks are real and so are the duties
A childcare setting has to be safe, clean and well managed every single day. The physical health and safety of the building, equipment and activities sits alongside the welfare and safeguarding requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
We focus on the health and safety side, helping you meet your duties as an employer and an occupier while you concentrate on the children.
The main risks
Where the harm comes from
The hazards that cause the most serious harm in this sector and the ones we focus on first.
Slips, trips and falls
For both children and staff, indoors and outside.
Hygiene and infection
Controlling the spread of illness in close-contact settings.
Food and allergens
Safe preparation, storage and allergen management where meals are provided.
Equipment and play areas
Safe toys, furniture and outdoor play equipment.
Hot surfaces and substances
Scalds, cleaning chemicals and anything within reach.
Fire
Evacuation planning for a building full of young children.
The regulations that apply
Your legal framework, in plain terms
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 covers your duties to staff, children and visitors. The EYFS statutory framework sets welfare requirements and you will also engage RIDDOR 2013, COSHH 2002, food hygiene rules where you provide meals and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Ofsted will expect to see that health and safety is properly managed.
Key duties commonly engaged:
- HSWA 1974
- EYFS
- RIDDOR 2013
- COSHH 2002
- Food hygiene
- RRFSO 2005
How we help
Built around your operation
We provide childcare risk assessments, method statements, health and safety policies and documentation, accident investigation and support to get you ready for inspection. We can also help with your fire risk assessment, which matters a great deal in a setting where children may need help to evacuate.
Why AL23 Safety
Sector-aware support that gets used
Settings-aware
We understand the specific risks of an early years environment.
Clear scope
We cover physical health and safety alongside your safeguarding and EYFS duties.
Practical
Documents and routines staff can follow under pressure.
Nationwide
We support childcare providers across the UK.
Get in touch
Give children a safe place to learn
Get in touch to talk through your childcare health and safety needs.
Related services