👨‍🚒Fire Safety Policy

This policy is updated at least annually in consultation with staff and parents and/or after a fire evacuation practice and/or fire. This policy was adopted on 30 August 2022 and is reviewed annually

Policy statement

At Natural Nurture we take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the nursery premises in the case of a fire or other emergency through our fire safety policy and emergency evacuation procedures.

The designated fire marshal is Frances Blunden

We ensure the nursery premises are compliant with fire safety regulations, including following any major changes or alterations to the premises. The designated fire marshal ensures we have all the appropriate fire detection and control equipment (e.g. fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers) are in working order and seeks advice from the local fire safety officer as necessary.

They also have overall responsibility for the fire drill and evacuation procedures. These are carried out and recorded for each group of children every three months or as and when a large change occurs, e.g. a large intake of children or a new member of staff joins the nursery. These drills are planned to occur at different times of the day and on different days to ensure evacuations are possible under different circumstances and all children and staff participate in the rehearsals.

All staff receive fire safety and evacuation training (including as part of induction) to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. This includes the steps they must take to ensure the safety of children, for example keeping fire doors free from obstruction, how to safely evacuate the children and where the evacuation meeting point is situated. Each room has a specific evacuation plan, which includes information such as evacuating non-mobile babies and using alternative exits depending on where the fire may be situated.

The designated fire marshal checks fire detection and control equipment and fire exits regularly. We ensure our premises present no risk of fire by ensuring the highest possible standard of fire precautions.

Registration

An accurate record of all staff and children present at nursery must be kept at all times and children/staff must be marked in and out on arrival and departure. An accurate record of visitors is kept in the visitor’s book. These records are taken out along with the register and emergency contacts list in the event of a fire.

No smoking/vaping policy

The nursery operates a strict no smoking/vaping policy – please see this separate policy for details.

Fire drill procedure

On discovering a fire:

• Calmly raise the alarm by using the radio and saying "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE"

• Immediately evacuate the building / area you in under guidance from the fire marshal (Collecting children’s room register, where applicable)

• Using the nearest accessible exit lead the children out, assemble at The Fire Assembly Point located on the driveway next to the gate going to the Polytunnel area

• Close all doors behind you wherever possible

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings on evacuating the building

• Do not attempt to go back in and fight the fire

• Do not attempt to go back in if any children or adults are not accounted for

• Wait for emergency services and report any unaccounted persons to the fire service/police.

If you are unable to evacuate safely:

• Stay where you are safe

• Keep the children calm and together

• Wherever possible alert the manager of your location and the identity of the children and other adults with you.

The fire marshal is to:

• Pick up the central children’s register, where applicable, staff register, nursery mobile/phone, keys, visitor book and fire bag/evacuation pack (containing emergency contacts list, nappies, wipes and blankets)

• Telephone emergency services: dial 999 and ask for the fire service

• In the fire assembly point area – check the children against the register

• Account for all adults: staff and visitors

• Advise the fire service of anyone missing and possible locations and respond to any other questions they may have.

Remember

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings on evacuating the building

• Do not attempt to go back in and fight the fire

• Do not attempt to go back in if any children or adults are not accounted for

Legal framework

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Further guidance

Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Educational Premises (HMG 2006)