Te noho ora me te noho haumaru a te tamaiti/Health & Safety for Tamariki Policy

2023

Rationale

The health and well-being of all who attend the Early Childhood Centre/Service is of paramount importance.

Purpose

To comply with relevant legislation at all times to ensure we provide a safe and healthy environment for all staff, tamariki and their whānau.

Providing a healthy and safe environment at Collectively Kids is essential to support tamariki’s learning and development. This environment is created through policies, systems and checks, practices and routines as well as curriculum, all of which are reviewed on a regular basis. Collectively Kids aims to apply the holistic approach of the Hauora model for health and well-being.

Well-being/Hauora

Well-being - The concept of well-being encompasses the physical, mental and emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. This concept is recognised by the World Health Organisation.

Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health unique to New Zealand. It comprises taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whanau, and taha wairua.

Taha tinana - Physical well-being - The physical body, its growth, development, and ability to move, and ways of caring for it.

Taha hinengaro - Mental and emotional well-being

Coherent thinking processes, acknowledging and expressing thoughts and feelings and responding constructively.

Taha whanau - Social well-being

Family relationships, friendships, and other interpersonal relationships; feelings of belonging, compassion, and caring; and social support.

Taha wairua - Spiritual well-being

The values and beliefs that determine the way people live, the search for meaning

and purpose in life, and personal identity and self-awareness (For some individuals

and communities, spiritual well-being is linked to a particular religion;

for others, it is not.)

Each of these four dimensions of hauora

influences and supports the others.

Dr Mason Durie's whare tapawha model compares hauora to the

four walls of a whare, each wall representing a different dimension:

taha wairua (the spiritual side); taha hinengaro (thoughts and

feelings); taha tinana (the physical side); and taha whanau (family).

All four dimensions are necessary for strength and symmetry.

(Adapted from Mason Durie's Whaiora: Māori Health Development.

Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1994, page 70).

PROCEDURES

Cleaning Procedures (HS1) Adjusted for Covid - 19

The Cleaners from Clean Planet clean the Centre daily. A schedule of cleaning provided during induction supervised by Clean Planet Manager to ensure standards are maintained. Clean Planet has adjusted its processes in response to the Covid -19 Pandemic and has provided this information for Collectively Kids.
The cleaners will be responsible for general cleaning of the whole Centre, including all hard surfaces and bathroom areas. Some cleaning materials are brought in and taken off-site once cleaner has finished. General day-to-day cleaning products used by staff will be kept in the laundry (locked) out of reach of tamariki.
Kaiako will be expected to “clean as they go” ensuring spills and messes are cleaned up immediately.
Cleaning schedules have been updated in response to requirements for more rigorous hygiene processes during Covid including more frequent cleaning of equipment, toys, food areas and high touch surfaces.
Separate cloths for bathroom, general and food areas are identified by colour.
For art and kai areas, a bleach solution that is 1 part bleach and 10 parts water will be used. This will be changed daily.
The carpets will be cleaned twice a year.

Laundry (HS2)

All laundry will be cleaned by kaiako and/or support workers.

The following procedures will be followed to ensure all linen and resources used by adults and children are hygienically laundered:

Separate coloured cloths will be used for washing floors, cleaning of equipment, and washing of children. These cloths will be washed separately at all times.
All washing is separated into 1. Sheets, 2. Tea towels and dishcloths, flannels and bibs; 3. Floor rugs and outdoor towels; and washed separately.
Soiled laundry will be soaked in a whitener solution prior to laundering.
Bed linen used by tamariki will be washed on a weekly/fortnightly basis depending on children’s attendance and is kept in a named bag.
The washing machine and clothes dryer will not be able to be accessed by children at any time.
All laundry will be dried in the clothes drier or on washing lines, folded, and returned to storage areas as appropriate.
Items are signed off on a calendar attached to the list of items needing laundering as they are sent for laundering.

Nappy Changing and Toileting Procedures (HS3)

Kaiako will follow the procedures below when changing nappies:

Nappy changing will take place only in the designated area, which will be well-ventilated at all times. Kaiako will invite tamariki in a positive, friendly manner respecting their mana, dignity and privacy at all times and where possible promoting independent skills.
Older tamariki are encouraged to use self-help skills in accessing the nappy changing table area to ensure staff are not lifting heavier children.
Staff will wear disposable gloves when changing children. All gloves will be disposed of between each change.
Kaiako will thoroughly wash their hands between changes, with soap and water, and sanitise their hands.
When changing nappies, kaiako actively supervise the safety of tamariki.
Changing mats will be sprayed with a diluted bleach or hospital grade cleaning solution after each change.
If whānau would like their child to have any powders/cream between changes they will need to provide it or will give permission for Ecostore nappy balm to be used. (The procedure for documenting application of Category three medications will be followed)
Nappies are disposed of in the designated receptacle provided.
The Changing Area is cleaned daily with a bleach solution or hospital grade cleaner.
Nappy changes will be recorded on the whiteboard for older tamariki or on under two day sheets.
Tamariki will be encouraged to develop self-management skills in going to the toilet and kaiako will be available to support them as necessary.
Kaiako and tamariki wash their hands after toileting.
Liquid soap and paper towels will be used in the toilet area. Rubbish bins are available for ease of use.

Nappy Changing Toileting Routine

Tamariki are checked or changed at least once in the morning depending on arrival time, after lunch, after sleep or in the early afternoon if not sleeping and shortly before home time.
If tamariki have a soiled nappy they are changed immediately.

Injury Prevention Strategies

All doors to adult-only areas will be closed unless kaiako are closely supervising a learning activity in the area.
Cupboards such as kaiako cupboards, art cupboards and kitchen doors will be inaccessible to tamariki unless kaiako are supervising .
All chemicals will be stored in marked containers and be kept out of the reach of tamariki at all times. This will include cleaning agents and sanitiser. Kaiako will constantly be aware of the potential danger of things such as water spills, and clean them up immediately.
Hot drinks will be consumed away from where they could potentially spill on tamariki.
Tamariki will be encouraged not to sit on tables, nor jump off furniture and chairs.
Tamariki will remain seated while eating and be supervised by kaiako.
Kaiako will wear gloves at all times when blood is present.
The environment is checked daily to identify, minimize and isolate hazards for tamariki using the same procedures as for the health and safety of adults.
The playground is checked for vandalism, dangerous objects and animal droppings.
The indoors is checked to ensure tamariki do not have access to chemicals and that exits are clear.
Daily checks are signed on the Daily Environment Check Form
Hazards are recorded on the Hazard Identification Record Form and followed up by the Manager/Supervisor and/or Health and Safety Officer.

Poisonous Plants

Regular checks will be made by staff through their daily and monthly maintenance checklists.
Before new plants are purchased, they will be checked against current guidelines concerning New Zealand poisonous plants. All plants given as gifts will also be checked.
Information is available to staff and parents regarding classification of poisonous plants.
Kaiako talk with tamariki about not eating seeds, leaves and plants unless approved by an adult. All plants that are of educational benefit, i.e. swan plants, will be allowed into the Centre provided they are supervised at all times.

Physical Environment (HS 13, 14, 15, 24)

All noise will be kept at a level so as not to unduly cause any tamariki distress or harm.
The Centre will be maintained at a comfortable temperature no lower than 18 degrees (500 mm above floor level) while tamariki are in attendance.
All air conditioning and heating units will be regularly inspected and serviced as part of the annual Building Warrant of Fitness. Documentation will be kept by the Manager.
The water temperature for children’s use will be maintained at 40 degrees C. or less and for adult use at 60 degrees C.
Regular safety checks of equipment and the indoor/outdoor environment will be monitored by the Manager and kaiako and recorded appropriately.
Washing facilities will be available for sick or soiled tamariki.

Care of Animals (HS16)

Collectively Kids does not keep animals on the premises but sometimes pets come for a visit, and children are also interested in insects, worms etc. At these times:

All animals at the Centre will be restrained as necessary.
All staff will follow safe and hygienic handling practices before, during and after the handling of animals. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that all children who have had contact with any animal wash their hands immediately after contact with that animal and prior to eating or drinking.
Tamariki will be taught safe practice in regard to the handling of animals.

Preparation and Eating of Food (HS 19, 20, 21, 22)

One or more kaiako or support person will be rostered to supervise tamariki while eating.
Allergies for individual tamariki will be displayed in the kitchen area, with a photo of the tamaiti for easy identification.
Any food brought into the Centre by whānau, e.g. birthday treats etc., will be recorded on the daily menu.
Kaiako will ensure all tamariki are provided with drinks at kai times and that they have access to water throughout the day. When eating, tamariki will always be seated and supervised by a kaiako.
Flexible eating routines will be encouraged along with the development of self-help skills.
It is the responsibility of the Team Leader to ensure that kaiako are adequately trained in the safe preparation and handling of food.
Any food provided by the Centre, including baking, will be recorded on the daily menu clipboard.

When the Centre provides snacks and/or meals

The Centre will meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014 National Programme – Collectively Kids fall into the Curriculum Cooking Category.
The Centre will provide a menu that includes foods that promote healthy eating for tamariki.

When Whānau provide food for tamariki

The Centre will promote safe and hygienic food handling practices.
Whānau are asked to bring lunches and food snacks/lunch for their tamariki and are encouraged to include foods that promote healthy eating for tamariki.
Tamariki lunch boxes are to be named and placed in the assigned area or refrigerator upon arrival.
At snack/lunch times, kaiako will ensure that each tamaiti receives their own lunch box.
Whānau are encouraged to refer to the “Reducing food-related choking pamphlet” for guidelines around preparing food. ECE settings are required to meet these guidelines. In situations where a tamaiti may have a food item that is on the identified food choking hazard list, kaiako will use their discretion to manage this or to further prepare the food so that it is safer eg. slicing the apple.

Bottle Feeding Procedures (HS23)

All tamariki under the age of 6 months and other tamariki unable to drink independently will be held semi-upright while drinking their bottle.
When kaiako are feeding infants their bottles (under 15 months old) a ratio of one to one will be used.
Bottles for tamariki under the age of 6 months will be heated by being placed in hot water in the kitchen. For tamariki over the age of 6 months, bottles will be heated in the microwave unless the milk is breast milk, or as requested otherwise by awhānau. Formula that is not consumed within half an hour will be discarded.
Breast milk will be warmed up in a hot water bath in the sink in the kitchen in Te Ao Mārama. All the bottles will be rinsed and put through the sterilizer after each use.

Drink bottles

Will be stored in sight of tamariki up on the bench. To reduce any cross-contamination, tamariki will ask kaiako when they want a drink
Most tamariki drink bottles are left at the centre. We fill them up at the beginning of the day and they are put through the sterilizer at the end of the day

Accident Procedures (HS 25)

At least two Kaiako will hold a current First Aid Certificate at all times.
Copies of First Aid Certificates held by staff will be kept in the Centre.
Management will ensure that all records for tamariki have both parents’ current contact numbers and two emergency contacts.
In the event of an accident the priority will be to administer first aid immediately, and then inform the senior kaiako on the day.
Any accident will be recorded in the Accident Register/Form and kaiako will ensure whānau are informed.
Whānau will be phoned and informed of any serious accident.
The kaiako who performs first aid will record in the Accident Register/Form what happened, i.e., a description of the incident, the action taken, and the day and time it occurred. They will then highlight the name of the tamaiti on the roll/sign-in sheets and write in the comments column “accident form to sign” (see Forms). Whānau must sign that they have knowledge of the incident.
If deemed necessary, a registered and qualified kaiako member will take the tamaiti to the local medical centre and the whānau/emergency contact person will be called. The kaiako will stay with the tamaiti while at the medical centre until whānau arrive. If more serious, an ambulance will be called and the whānau will be contacted immediately. If the whānau cannot reach the Centre by the time the ambulance arrives, a kaiako will ride to the hospital with the tamaiti (if ratios allow) and meet the whānau there.
If blood and body fluids are present as a result of the accident, kaiako will clean and disinfect the area using gloves and a bleach solution, or hospital-grade cleaner straight away.

Illness Procedures (HS 26)

The Centre will ensure that all tamariki/kaiaiko/whānau/manuhiri to the Centre are protected from contracting infectious diseases.
Tamairiki and adults who are sick are not to be present at the Centre. Sickness includes vomiting, diarrhea, temperatures, runny nose along with any other flu like symptoms, conjunctivitis and impetigo. If a tamaiti has vomiting and diarrhea or any other infectious illness they must remain absent from the Centre until 48 hours (without medication) after their last symptom. Tamariki with high temperatures must remain absent from the centre until 24 hours without medication after their last symptom. All the illness will be recorded in the Illness Record Form.
If a tamaiti arrives at the Centre and is clearly not well, or has an undiagnosed rash, kaiako and Management reserve the right not to allow that tamaiti to be left at the Centre until whānau provide a certificate from a Doctor. This is for the wellness of other tamariki and kaiako.
If whānau are called to collect their tamaiti due to illness, they must do so as soon as possible. If whānau are unable to do so they must then organise someone else to collect their tamaiti.
A current list of infectious diseases consistent with Infectious Diseases for Criterion HS26 is displayed in the Centre, enabling whānau parents to access the information at all times. This includes the symptoms of Covid 19.
If a tamaiti has an illness not covered in this policy, kaiako will refer to the infectious disease chart to determine the infection period, which will determine how long a child must stay away from the Centre. If the illness is not listed on the infectious disease chart the local Public Health Nurse will be consulted.
If a tamaiti becomes unwell while at the Centre they will be isolated from other tamariki and watched over by a kaiako until collected by whānau.

Serious Harm or Illness to a Tamariki Procedure (HS 27)

All practicable steps will be taken to get immediate assistance for a tamaiti who is badly hurt in an accident or becomes seriously ill, and to inform the whānau or caregivers of what has occurred.

In the event of a serious accident or illness to a tamaiti, a kaiako shall immediately ensure the following steps are taken:

Attend to the tamaiti
Seek support from another kaiako.
Call appropriate medical assistance.
Advise whānau.
If the tamaiti is taken to hospital, the kaiako who had been closest to the incident should accompany them.
A Serious Harm/Illness Form will be completed.
An incident investigation will be completed.
We will notify the specified agencies like The New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Health, Oranga Tamariki, WorkSafe New Zealand, the teaching council and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner

The Serious Harm/Illness Form will include:

The name of the tamaiti.
The date, time and description of the incident.
Actions taken and by whom.
A space for whānau to sign that they have been informed of the incident.

Incident Investigation

In the event that an investigation is required, the following process will be followed:

The kaiako closest to the incident will document what occurred.
Any other staff involved will document their role.
The Health and Safety Officer and the Manager will go over the report with the kaiako to:

Identify key triggers to the incident.
Minimise the hazard.
Add to the Hazard Identification Register if required.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and make changes if required.
Store all information in the Incident File in the manager's office

Administration of Medicine (HS28)

There are three categories of medicine that require different authorisations from parents:

Category 1: non-prescription, provided by the Centre, and kept in the First Aid Kit. (Written authority upon enrolment.)

Category 2: prescription and non-prescription (used for a specific period of time, short term). (Written authority is required at the beginning of each day and will include the name of the medication, the method for administering it, the dose, and the time medication is to be given.)

Category 3: prescription and non-prescription (used for the ongoing treatment of pre-diagnosed conditions). (Written authority is required upon enrolment or diagnosis as part of an Individual Health Plan which will include the name of the medication, the method for administering, the dose, the time the medication is to be given, and the specific symptoms/circumstances in which it should be given.)

Procedure

Medicine (prescription and non-prescription) is not given to a tamaiti unless it is given:

By a doctor or ambulance personnel in an emergency
By the parent of the tamaiti or
with written authority (appropriate to the category of the medicine) of a parent.
Parents/whānau members will hand the medicine to a permanent kaiako and fill out the medicine book.
All medicines will be stored out of reach of tamariki, and appropriately but still be easily accessed by an adult in an emergency.
All medicines will be disposed off, or sent home with a whānau member (if supplied in relation to a specific tamaiti after the specified time).
A written authority from the parents is required for the administration of medicines.
Daily parental authorization is required for category(ii) medicines.
Kaiako will take note of the expiry dates for medicines provided by the centre and will not administer medicines that have passed their use-by date. Category (i) medicines that are expired will be disposed off appropriately. Medicines supplied by whānau will be sent home for disposal.
A record of all medicines administered to the tamariki is kept including, the name of the tamaiti, name and dosage of medicine, time medicine was administered and by whom and evidence of parental/whānau acknowledgement.
When administering medicine, kaiako will check that the right dose (using a standard measuring syringe which are single use only) of the right medicine is given to the right tamaiti (double checking the details on the label each time) at the right time following the instructions from parents/whānau or medical staff.
Once the medicine is administered, kaiako will sign the medication form and the medicine will be stored away safely and appropriately.
Category(ii) medicines will be sent home at the end of the day and parent/whānau acknowledgement is noted on the medication form.

Sick and/or Soiled Tamariki Procedures (PF26)

Universal Precautions for Infection Control

This procedure aims to uphold the health and wellbeing of tamariki by ensuring that there are suitable facilities and practices for washing tamariki who vomit or soil themselves while attending the service so that the risk of cross infection is reduced.

In the event of an accident, spillage or contact with any body fluids or discharge, the following universal precautions will be followed.

Gloves will be used when in contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth), broken skin or moist body substances ( vomit, bowel motion) is likely to occur.
Hands must be washed immediately with soap and water if they are potentially contaminated with moist body substances.
Articles, furniture, and floors soiled with moist body substances will be cleaned immediately and disinfected using bleach. This will be left on the area for 10 minutes and the spill wiped up with a cloth soaked in the solution.
Soiled tamariki will be taken to the bathroom to be cleaned and changed immediately.
Soiled tamariki will only be changed in the bathroom to ensure their dignity and right to privacy and where there is a hand washing facility.
There is a shub available if the tamaiti need to be washed. The tamaiti will be dried using a body towel which is kept under the shub.
All the soiled clothes will be changed and put in a laundry bag for the parents.
Tamariki with diarrhoea or vomiting will be isolated from others in the staff room with a kaiako.
Parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

ll practicable steps are taken to ensure that tamariki do not come into contact with any person (adult or tamaiti) on the premises who is suffering from a disease or condition likely to be passed on to tamariki and likely to have a detrimental effect on them.

Immunisation Procedures

The Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995 require that accurate immunisation records are kept of all children on the roll.

The Ministry of Health requires all licensed Early Childhood Centres to sight immunisation history of every tamaiti on enrolment, or in the case of a tamaiti under 15 months old, once that tamaiti reaches the required age.

In the case of an outbreak, tamariki who are not immunised must be removed from the Centre until the incubation period of the disease is past and no further cases are reported.

Supervision of Children Procedures

Management will ensure adequate kaiako are present at all times to meet licensing requirements, and to adequately supervise all children in attendance.
Tamariki will be in the sight of a kaiako at all times. Kaiako will be rostered to ensure both indoors (including the toileting area) and outdoors have adequate supervision.
Kaiako or adults visiting or working in the Centre will be well supervised and visible at all times.
All manuhiri will be required to sign the designated book stating the time of arrival and departure and purpose of visit.
When kaiako leave for morning and afternoon tea breaks, they must not leave until another kaiako has covered their position.
Kaiako involved in supervision must not leave children unsupervised under any circumstances unless relieved by another kaiako.
The Person Responsible is the most senior kaiako present; if this person is not present then an alternative staff member will be asked to undertake this role on a temporary basis.