Abstract

This practical guide demystifies health and safety in early years settings with a step-by-step guide to the law, compliance and practical application. Bringing together health and safety legislation and the welfare requirements within the revised Early Years Foundation Stage 2012, it successfully integrates health and safety within the EYFS.

Including information taught on a variety of courses accredited by CACHE and BTEC, references to EYFS and Health and Safety legislation, specific guidance for childminders and audit tools for evaluation, it can be referred to as needs arise or used as an aid to inspection.

This book is for all staff working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or environmental health. It will be useful for auditing, improving standards and preparing for inspection and it offers a clear outline of responsibilities within the legislative framework. It could also be used for in-house training or workshops.

Bernadina Laverty is an Early Years/Childcare consultant and freelance Inspector. She has a degree in Early Childhood Studies and broad childcare experience having worked in nurseries, schools, a residential unit and with a local authority early years service. She has particular interests in improving quality and health and safety in the early years and is an associate member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health professionals (iosh).

Catherine Reay is a freelance consultant Environmental Health Officer with considerable experience in health and safety and food safety disciplines. She has worked in the public and private sectors and has extensive experience in auditing health and safety systems and in accident investigation. She has devised and delivered bespoke health and safety training and health and safety systems across business sectors including the service and manufacturing industries. She is a member of and a registered tutor with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers.