Contents

1. Propane Gas Fires and Oil Heaters
2. Toys and Games
3. Waste Paper Baskets
4. Care of Cleaning Fluids
5. Road Safety
6. Unaccompanied Children
7. Knives, Scissors etc
8. Tools
9. Candles
10. Festive Decorations
11. Wardrobe Hangers
12. Aerosol Sprays

1. Propane Gas Fires and Oil Heaters

Oil and paraffin heaters are not allowed. Propane gas fires are not recommended but in an emergency seek the advice of a suitably qualified person because there are strict guidelines on the use of Propane gas fires in respect of ventilation requirements.

2. Toys and Games

Toys and games should always be put away safely after use. They should be checked for damage and broken items disposed of after appropriate explanation to children.

3. Waste Paper Baskets

Never empty ashtrays or allow lighted materials to be placed into waste paper baskets or other containers which may cause a fire.

4. Care of Cleaning Fluids

These must be stored in a locked cupboard, in a locked room and meet health and hygiene regulations. Only non-flammable and non-hazardous products may be used.

See COSSH Procedure

5. Road Safety

Staff should ensure that children are provided with adequate guidance and have acquired appropriate skills relating to road personal safety.

This will include providing children with information and support as necessary. Children should wear appropriate safety clothing when away from the home.

Children wishing to own or use a pedal cycle must at all times be supervised by staff or, if riding alone, must undertake a Cycling Proficiency Test.

See Activities and Transporting Children Procedure.

6. Unaccompanied Children

Children should not be allowed out unaccompanied or unsupervised unless agreed by the manager of the home or it is stated in their Placement Plan that they may do so.

7. Knives, Scissors etc.

Children and staff may not keep knives of any description unless agreed by the manager of the home. Knives and other sharp tools or equipment required for the running of the home should always be used and stored securely, out of reach of children, when not in use.

Children may only use such tools/equipment as part of a plan or when undertaking an activity under the supervision of staff. A Risk Assessment must be in place for all activities undertaken.

8. Tools

Garden and other tools or equipment may only be used by competent and/or trained staff and must be stored securely, out of reach of children, when not in use. Children are not permitted to use power tools under any circumstances. Children who are permitted to use other tools must be supervised at all times by a competent person.

9. Candles

Candles (other than those used decoratively on cakes) may not be kept on the premises.

10. Festive Decorations

All festive decorations (including Christmas decorations) must be non-flammable and manufactured to an acceptable British Standard. Christmas trees must also be of an artificial, non-flammable type, manufactured to an acceptable British Standard.

11. Wardrobe Hangers

Wire, wooden and/or rigid plastic wardrobe hangers are not permitted in the home; they must be of a flexible plastic design.

12. Aerosol Sprays

Children may not keep aerosol sprays unless agreed by the manager of the home.

See Drugs and Substance Misuse Procedure

End