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HEALTH & SAFETY

For Art & Craft Classes for Babies and Toddlers

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The Sticky Studio 

272 Worton Road TW7 6EE 

Hello@thestickystudio.com

07454284109

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Policy Last Updated: July 2025

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1. Introduction and Statement of Intent

At The St, the health, safety, and well-being of all participants, especially the babies and toddlers attending our art and craft classes, are our paramount priority. We are committed to providing a safe, clean, and stimulating environment where children can explore their creativity with confidence and parents/guardians feel secure.

This policy outlines the measures and procedures we have in place to identify, assess, and control risks, ensuring a safe experience for everyone involved. We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe environment and will strive to meet and exceed all relevant health and safety legislation and best practices.

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2. Aims and Objectives

This Health and Safety Policy aims to:

  • Provide a safe and healthy environment for all children, parents/guardians, and staff.

  • Minimise risks of accidents, injuries, and ill-health.

  • Ensure all equipment and materials used are safe and appropriate for the age group.

  • Establish clear procedures for managing accidents, emergencies, and first aid.

  • Promote good hygiene practices.

  • Ensure all staff are adequately trained in health and safety procedures and first aid.

  • Encourage active participation from parents/guardians in maintaining a safe environment.

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3. Responsibilities

3.1. The Sticky Stiudio - Stasia Duda and Cecile Callow:

  • Overall responsibility for the implementation and review of this policy.

  • Conducting regular risk assessments and implementing control measures.

  • Providing appropriate and safe equipment and materials.

  • Ensuring staff are adequately trained and informed.

  • Maintaining a clean and safe class environment.

  • Investigating all accidents and incidents.

  • Keeping up-to-date with relevant health and safety legislation.

3.2. Staff/Instructors:

  • Adhering to all health and safety procedures and guidelines.

  • Supervising children closely and actively during classes.

  • Identifying and reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions to management immediately.

  • Administering first aid as required (if trained).

  • Ensuring materials are used and stored safely.

  • Promoting good hygiene practices.

3.3. Parents/Guardians:

  • Maintaining active supervision of their child(ren) at all times during the class.

  • Notifying staff of any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs their child may have prior to the class.

  • Ensuring their child is dressed appropriately for messy play.

  • Following all instructions and safety guidelines provided by staff.

  • Reporting any concerns regarding health and safety to staff immediately.

  • Keeping their child home if they are unwell to prevent the spread of illness.

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4. Risk Assessment

We conduct regular and thorough risk assessments for all aspects of our classes, including the venue, activities, materials, and equipment. These assessments identify potential hazards and evaluate the level of risk, allowing us to implement effective control measures to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level. Risk assessments are reviewed:

  • Annually.

  • When new activities or materials are introduced.

  • Following any accident or incident.

  • When there are changes to the venue or environment.

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5. Classroom/Venue Safety

  • Venue Suitability: Classes are held in venues that are safe, clean, well-lit, adequately ventilated, and have appropriate facilities (e.g., accessible toilets, changing facilities).

  • Clear Pathways: All walkways and exits are kept clear of obstructions.

  • Secure Environment: Windows and doors are secured to prevent unsupervised access or egress.

  • Electrical Safety: All electrical equipment is regularly checked, and cables are safely secured to prevent tripping hazards. Sockets are covered where necessary.

  • Temperature Control: The room temperature is kept comfortable and safe for babies and toddlers.

  • Surfaces: Floors are kept clean and free from spills to prevent slips. Non-slip mats may be used where appropriate.

  • Furniture: All furniture is stable, child-friendly, and free from sharp edges.

  • Hazardous Items: Any non-essential or hazardous items are stored securely out of reach of children.

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6. Materials Safety

  • Non-Toxic Materials: Only non-toxic, child-friendly, and age-appropriate art and craft materials are used. Materials are clearly labelled where necessary.

  • Choking Hazards: Small parts that could pose a choking hazard to babies and toddlers are avoided or used under strict, direct supervision. Activities are designed to minimise this risk.

  • Allergies: We endeavour to use materials that are free from common allergens where possible. Parents/guardians are required to inform us of any allergies their child has, and we will make reasonable adjustments.

  • Supervision of Materials: Materials are distributed and collected by staff, and children are supervised to prevent ingestion of materials.

  • Storage: All materials are stored securely out of reach of children when not in use.

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7. Supervision

  • Active Supervision: Staff provide active and vigilant supervision of all children during classes.

  • Parental Responsibility: Parents/guardians are reminded that they retain primary responsibility for the supervision of their child(ren) at all times during the class.

  • Staff-to-Child Ratio: While parents are present, staff maintain an appropriate presence to guide activities and ensure general safety.

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8. First Aid and Accidents

  • Trained Staff: At least one member of staff present at every class will hold a current and recognised paediatric first aid qualification.

  • First Aid Kit: A fully stocked and accessible first aid kit is available at every class. Contents are regularly checked and replenished.

  • Accident Procedures:

    1. In the event of an accident or injury, the trained first aider will assess the situation and administer appropriate first aid.

    2. Parents/guardians will be informed immediately of any incident involving their child.

    3. For serious incidents, emergency services (999) will be called immediately.

    4. All accidents, however minor, will be recorded in an Accident Report Form, detailing the date, time, nature of the injury, how it occurred, first aid given, and any witnesses. This form will be signed by the attending staff member and the parent/guardian.

    5. Serious incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities (e.g., RIDDOR) if required by law.

 

9. Hygiene

  • Handwashing: Children and adults are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after classes, especially after messy play and before snacks (if applicable). 

  • Cleaning: All surfaces, equipment, and reusable materials are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each class.

  • Waste Disposal: Waste materials, especially those that are messy or potentially contaminated, are disposed of safely and promptly in appropriate bins.

  • Illness: We request that children who are unwell (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, infectious diseases) do not attend classes to prevent the spread of illness. Parents are encouraged to inform us if their child has been diagnosed with an infectious disease.

 

10. Fire Safety

  • Evacuation Plan: A clear fire evacuation plan is displayed in the class venue. Staff are familiar with the plan and emergency exits.

  • Fire Exits: Fire exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times.

  • Assembly Point: A designated safe assembly point outside the venue is identified.

  • Fire Alarms: Staff know the location of fire alarms and how to activate them.

  • Procedure in Case of Fire:

    1. Activate the fire alarm.

    2. Evacuate all children and adults calmly and quickly to the designated assembly point using the nearest safe exit.

    3. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.

    4. Once at the assembly point, conduct a headcount to ensure everyone is accounted for.

    5. Do not re-enter the building until instructed by the fire services.

 

11. Safeguarding Children

The Sticky Studio is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff undergo relevant background checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK) where legally required. Any concerns about a child's welfare will be handled in accordance with our separate Safeguarding Policy and relevant legal guidance.

 

12. Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are any significant changes in legislation, our activities, or following any incidents. All staff will be informed of any updates.

 

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Health and Safety Policy, please do not hesitate to contact us:

The Sticky Studio 

272 Worton Road TW7 6EE 

Hello@thestickystudio.com

07454284109

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