ABSTRACT
Children are naturally curious and need constant supervision. This is why it is important to assess your setting for risks and to incorporate safety features into your structure, policies and practice. When considering both inside and outside spaces it is important to think of the activities that will be undertaken there. Whilst most accidents that happen to young children occur in and around the home, accidents can and do happen to children in early years settings. Children experience minor injuries every day, ranging from scratches to bumps and bruises. Most injuries of the minor or indeed more serious type are the result of falls, burns, scalds, poisoning and near drowning. Planning for safety means that everyone has to be involved – including parents and the children themselves. This chapter provides a template for a suggested safety plan, a self review activity and a checklist of best practice to consider.
