Principle and statement of intent
At Bumbles Day Care, to encourage learning, with parental permission, we try as often as we can to take the children out of the day care environment. Trips to the park, library and shops give them extra knowledge and help to develop their five senses as well as a sense of their local community.
We also invite representatives to visit our Day Care from the local community, in particular “People Who Help Us” including the Police and Fire Brigade and we encourage the children to recycle and look after their environment.
When planning an outing or organising visitors, we take into account the principles in:
- U.N Convention on Rights of the Child – This emphasises the child’s right to protection from harm and the provision of adequate services and participation in all matters that concerns him/her.
- The Children (NI) Order 1995 – This specifies that the welfare of the child is paramount. The role and the responsibility of parents to care for their children is emphasised.
Planning outings
On enrolment in Bumbles Day Care we will obtain written parental permission to take part in regular local outings whilst in our care and specific written permission for a longer or more involved outing.
A comprehensive risk assessment is carried out by the manager, deputy manger or co-ordinator before the proposed outing. It will assess the risks which might be encountered on the outing, and will indicate measures to prevent or reduce them. The risk assessment should be based on the following considerations:
- What are the hazards?
- Who might be affected by them?
- What safety measures are needed to reduce risks to an acceptable level?
- Can the co-ordinator put the safety measures in place?
- What steps will be taken in an emergency?
All staff attending the outing should sign to indicate they have read and understood the Risk Assessment and that they are aware of how to manage any risks identified.
When planning visits to other centres, such as the Zoo, farm or wildlife centre the manager or deputy manager will either make a preliminary visit to the venue, in order to carry out an on-site risk assessment or liaise with the manager of the venue to identify any risks. (See Infection Control Policy – Animals)
On outings, children will always be appropriately supervised.
- Under 3’s – Either, properly harnessed in prams: holding on to the hand of a staff member: walking whilst wearing reins and also holding the hand of a staff member, depending upon the needs of the individual child
- Over 3’s – Walk whilst holding on to the hand of a staff member.
At Bumbles Day Care, we believe that outings are safer and more enjoyable for staff and children alike if they are in small groups and we will always aim for a high staff to child ratio of between 1 : 1 or 1 : 2. This is in line with Social Services Out and About Guidelines:
- Ratio: 1 Adult – 2 Children where children are under school age
- Ratio: 1 Adult with Single or Double Pram with one child holding onto the pram, (with reins as determined by age)
- Ratio: 1 Adult – 4 Children. Walking with after school children
- Ratio: 1 Adult – 5 Children. School collection in car
On trips out, we take essential records and equipment for each child as necessary, including contact telephone numbers for parents/carers, a first aid kit and a mobile telephone.
Children will be dressed appropriately for both the weather and the occasion.
Transport
All vehicles used in transporting children, whether nursery or privately owned are properly licensed, inspected and maintained and Bumbles’ staff are aware that it is their responsibility to ensure that they comply with this. Staff members who drive for Bumbles Day Care are all appropriately insured for business use and car safety seats are provided for all children.
Visitors to premises
All visitors will be asked to provide I.D. and to sign in the visitor’s book on arrival and departure. Any visitors must always be accompanied by a member of staff. If the visit includes animals, e.g. TACT WildLife, then HSENI guidelines to be followed (see Infection Control Policy – Animals).