Electrical sockets, telephones and first aid supplies

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Electrical sockets

Equipment, premises and facilities must be regularly checked for hazards to children. This includes electrical sockets that should be either out of reach of children, adequately shielded or of a suitable design to limit danger to children. New buildings have 'safety' electrical sockets which are safe even if unguarded. Because children may not have these 'safety' sockets in their own homes, some people consider it prudent to shield all sockets, to prevent confusion that could create dangers for children at home. Discuss your situation with your regional Ministry of Education office.
Ideally, some sockets in a new building should be installed high up (about 1.4 metres above the floor), so electrical items such as CD players can sit on shelves without the cords causing clutter. Bear in mind that when sockets are set low, display units and couches can obstruct some of them.

You need to have a first aid kit that complies with Appendix 1 of the licensing criteria and is easily recognisable and readily accessible to adults but inaccessible to children. First aid kits should be obvious to people in an emergency. People usually expect to find a first aid kit in a bathroom or kitchen area. Some injuries (such as bad grazes) will be best treated near water, so that excess dirt can be removed easily. The kitchen may be less appropriate for storage because adults may be tempted to dress a wound on the sink bench or near food preparation areas.
Many companies sell large cabinets that have safety latches and can be attached to the wall out of children’s reach. Having at least 1 fixed cabinet will ensure a supply of basic first aid equipment stays in a predictable place and can always be found. Some first aid kits are designed to be easily removed from the wall in case of emergency.
It is a good idea to also have a 'grab bag' or backpack that contains essential first aid equipment to take to the accident site if necessary. Some centres also use this type of bag for taking on excursions or outings. Remember to ensure that it is inaccessible to children when not in use.

Your service needs to have a telephone on which calls can be made to and from the service.
Portable phones can be very useful when staff are outdoors or busy in different parts of the centre that are not near the main phone.
Cell phones are useful for outings, providing an alternative emergency number for parents and are useful if the centre needs to be evacuated. In an emergency, time will be saved if families' contact numbers are preset into the mobile phone.