Unit 3 Use legislation relating to the health and safety of children

Learning Outcomes LO3 Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment. AC 3.1 Identify hazards to health and safety in an early years environment.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins How hazardous is your bedroom? Consider: Do you have electrical equipment plugged in, with wires trailing across the room? Do you have cups or plates in your room that have been there more than three days? Can you walk around the room without treading on things? Do you have piles of ‘stuff’ all over the place? Is your room clean?

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Identifying hazards A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, risk or injury. Examples include physical hazards, or those related to security, fire, food safety or personal safety. Settings have to make sure that everyone is kept safe.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins List possible hazards that could be found in a setting. Consider: Indoor space Outdoor area Doors, gates and windows Personal safety and the security of the setting. Learners should include any hazards they have seen, or those that could occur. This can be written as lists or spider diagrams, and can be used in later activities.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Possible hazards Broken equipment Poor security Fire Poor hygiene standards Overcrowding Food storage and handling Clutter

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Identifying hazards Hazards can occur in any area of the setting. They can range from a broken toy to an outside gate that is not kept locked.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins Discuss what you have done about hazards you have seen in the setting. Consider: Water or sand on the floor A door left open A socket without a cover A broken toy Food left uncovered Climbing equipment without safety mats Litter in the outdoor area Why is it important that you identify and deal with hazards? This activity will encourage learners to discuss a range of hazards. Learners will be able to show that they are able to recognise and deal with minor hazards on a daily basis. If they have not started at a setting then they could discuss what they would do in these situations.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Identifying hazards It is important that everyone in the setting is constantly on the lookout for hazards. Many hazards can be dealt with quickly, but some may need further attention.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins Using your notes from the previous activities, discuss the range of hazards you have identified. Consider: Indoor Outdoor Equipment Hazards to health Security Personal safety. This activity will consolidate the previous activities, and learners will end up with an extensive list of possible hazards within the setting.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins Do you feel you always notice and deal with hazards within the setting? Consider: Hazards in the activity you are supervising Hazards across the room from you Hazards that are difficult or unpleasant to deal with, for example a child who has had a toileting accident and left a puddle on the floor. Learners should reflect on their ability and willingness to notice hazards.

3. Be able to identify hazards in an early years environment (3.1) Time: 15 mins Create a poster to encourage children to clear up spillages around the sand and water tray. Consider: The age of the children Pictures or images to support the message The use of very simple words Where the poster could go. The posters could be displayed to further support this criteria.

Summary Hazards are all around us. Children will not always notice hazards. Practitioners must identify and deal with all hazards to ensure the health and safety of all children.

Plenary List five possible hazards in the outdoor area. List five possible hazards in the indoor area. Describe a hazard to a child’s health.