Nurseries and childcare settings have a unique responsibility: caring for society's youngest and most vulnerable members. Unlike other workplaces, you must protect people who cannot recognise dangers themselves and depend entirely on your vigilance.
This guide covers essential health and safety requirements for nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and other early years settings in England.
The Legal Framework
Childcare providers must comply with multiple overlapping legal requirements:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The foundation of workplace safety law. As an employer (or self-employed childminder), you must ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by your work - including the children in your care.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The EYFS statutory framework sets specific welfare requirements for registered childcare providers. These have legal force and are inspected by Ofsted.
EYFS welfare requirements cover safeguarding, suitable people, staff qualifications, ratios, health, safety, behaviour management, and premises. Meeting these is essential for Ofsted registration and ongoing compliance.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
You must have a fire risk assessment and appropriate fire safety measures. Nurseries are considered higher risk because young children cannot evacuate independently.
Food Safety Legislation
If you provide food or drinks, food hygiene regulations apply. This includes snacks, meals, and bottle preparation.
Ofsted and Health and Safety
Ofsted inspects against EYFS requirements, which embed health and safety throughout. Inspectors will look at:
- Physical environment and premises safety
- Risk assessment processes
- Safeguarding procedures
- Staff supervision and ratios
- Accident and incident records
- Food safety practices
- Emergency procedures
Serious health and safety failures can result in enforcement action, suspension of registration, or prosecution. Ofsted and the HSE share information and can both take action.
Risk Assessment for Childcare Settings
Risk assessment is central to nursery safety. EYFS requires providers to conduct risk assessments and take action to manage risks.
What Needs Assessing
- Premises - indoor and outdoor areas, access points, security
- Equipment - toys, furniture, play equipment, sleep items
- Activities - messy play, outdoor play, trips and outings
- Outings - walks, park visits, transport arrangements
- Individual children - allergies, medical conditions, developmental needs
Key Principles
- Identify hazards relevant to children's developmental stage
- Consider what could go wrong and who might be harmed
- Put proportionate controls in place
- Document significant findings
- Review regularly and after incidents
Risk assessment should enable activities, not prevent them. Children need challenge and stimulation to develop. The goal is to manage risks to an acceptable level, not eliminate all risk.
Safeguarding and Supervision
Safeguarding is both a child protection and health and safety issue. EYFS sets out clear requirements.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Every setting must have a designated safeguarding lead who:
- Has appropriate training
- Knows local safeguarding procedures
- Can recognise signs of abuse or neglect
- Knows how to respond to concerns
- Liaises with external agencies
Staff Suitability
All staff must be suitable to work with children:
- Enhanced DBS checks with barred list check
- Disqualification checks
- References verified
- Ongoing suitability monitoring
Supervision Ratios
EYFS specifies minimum staff:child ratios:
| Age | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | 1:3 | Staff must hold appropriate qualification |
| Age 2 | 1:4 | Staff must hold appropriate qualification |
| Age 3+ | 1:8 | Where a qualified teacher is present, this can be 1:13 |
Ratios are minimums. You may need more staff for children with additional needs, during outings, or for higher-risk activities. Never compromise on supervision.
Supervision Best Practices
- Position staff to maintain sight of all children
- Account for all children regularly (headcounts)
- Supervise high-risk areas more closely (water play, climbing)
- Never leave children unsupervised with visitors or students
- Ensure adequate cover for breaks and absences
Outdoor Play and Garden Safety
Outdoor play is essential for child development but presents specific hazards.
Garden and Play Area Requirements
- Secure perimeter - fencing or walls to prevent escape and unauthorised entry
- Gates - self-closing, with childproof locks at adult height
- Ground surfaces - impact-absorbing surfaces under climbing equipment
- Planting - no poisonous plants accessible to children
- Water features - empty or securely fenced when not supervised
- Storage - garden chemicals and tools locked away
Play Equipment Safety
- Equipment appropriate for age and development
- Regular inspections (daily visual, formal periodic)
- Meets relevant safety standards
- Adequate spacing between equipment
- No entrapment hazards (gaps that could trap heads, fingers)
- Properly maintained and promptly repaired
Weather Considerations
- Sun protection (shade, hats, sunscreen with parental consent)
- Cold weather clothing requirements
- Wet or icy surfaces (postpone or relocate play)
- Wind hazards (loose items, unstable structures)
Check outdoor areas each morning before children access them. Look for animal faeces, broken glass, discarded items, and equipment damage.
Indoor Environment Safety
The indoor environment must be safe, welcoming, and appropriate for young children.
Furniture and Fixtures
- Child-sized furniture at appropriate heights
- Stable, non-tip furniture
- Rounded corners on tables and units
- Secure wall-mounted items
- Blind cords and chains made safe or removed
- Finger guards on doors in child areas
Toys and Equipment
- Age-appropriate (check manufacturer guidance)
- No small parts that present choking hazards for under-3s
- Regular cleaning and sanitising
- Checked for damage before use
- Broken items removed immediately
- Batteries inaccessible to children
Floor and Surfaces
- Non-slip flooring
- Spillages cleaned immediately
- No trailing cables
- Rugs secured or removed
- Clear walking routes maintained
Temperature and Ventilation
- Comfortable temperature (ideally 18-21C)
- Adequate ventilation
- Radiators guarded or low surface temperature
- Hot pipes boxed in
- Hot water temperature controlled (max 44C at outlet)
Storage and Chemicals
- Cleaning products locked away or stored at height
- Medicines in locked storage
- Hazardous items inaccessible to children
- Low-level storage for children's items only
Food Safety and Allergen Management
Food safety in nurseries protects children from illness and allergic reactions.
Food Hygiene Requirements
If you prepare or serve food:
- Register with your local authority (free)
- Follow food hygiene regulations
- Train staff in food safety
- Maintain clean preparation areas
- Store food at correct temperatures
- Follow appropriate cooking and reheating procedures
Allergen Management
Food allergies can be life-threatening. Robust allergen management is essential. EYFS requires you to obtain information about allergies and health conditions and act on it.
Key requirements:
- Obtain allergy information from parents in writing
- Communicate allergies to all relevant staff
- Display allergy information in food preparation areas
- Check ingredients and labels carefully
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Have emergency procedures for allergic reactions
- Store prescribed medication (e.g., adrenaline auto-injectors) accessibly
Bottle Feeding
- Follow manufacturer instructions precisely
- Make up feeds fresh or store according to NHS guidance
- Check temperature before serving
- Never microwave formula or breast milk
- Label stored breast milk clearly
Choking Prevention
Young children are at high risk of choking. Prevention includes:
- Cutting food appropriately (grapes halved lengthways, etc.)
- Supervising meal and snack times
- Appropriate seating during eating
- Staff trained in paediatric first aid including choking response
Infection Control and Illness Policies
Young children spread infections easily. Good infection control protects children and staff.
Hand Hygiene
- Handwashing facilities accessible to children and adults
- Hand washing before eating, after toileting, after outdoor play
- Teaching children proper handwashing technique
- Staff handwashing between caring for different children
- Hand sanitiser available (but not as replacement for handwashing)
Cleaning Regimes
- Daily cleaning of toys, surfaces, and equipment
- Enhanced cleaning during outbreaks
- Appropriate cleaning products (check safety for use around children)
- Cleaning schedules documented and followed
- Immediate cleaning of bodily fluids
Illness Exclusion
Clear policies on when children should stay home:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (typically 48 hours exclusion after last episode)
- Infectious diseases (follow Public Health England guidance)
- Unwell and unable to participate
Outbreak Management
- Recognise potential outbreaks early
- Know when to contact Public Health England
- Enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures
- Communication with parents
- Record keeping
Nappy Changing and Intimate Care
Nappy changing requires attention to both hygiene and safeguarding.
Hygiene Requirements
- Dedicated changing area, easy to clean
- Changing mats cleaned between each use
- Appropriate disposal of nappies (lidded bins, frequent emptying)
- Staff hand hygiene before and after
- Gloves and aprons available
- Personal items for each child (creams, nappies) labelled
Safeguarding Considerations
- Intimate care procedures documented
- Staff trained in procedures
- Consistent, dignified care
- Recording of nappy changes
- Awareness of signs of abuse during changing
- Privacy balanced with safeguarding
Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation
Fire safety in nurseries requires special consideration because children cannot evacuate independently.
Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is legally required. Given the vulnerability of children, consider using a competent fire safety professional.
The assessment must identify:
- Fire hazards and ignition sources
- People at risk (including children with disabilities)
- Fire detection and warning systems needed
- Escape routes and procedures
- Emergency lighting requirements
- Firefighting equipment needs
- Staff training requirements
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuating young children is fundamentally different from adult evacuation. Your procedures must account for children who cannot walk, those who may not follow instructions, and the need for staff to physically carry or guide children.
Essential elements:
- Evacuation cots or buggies for non-mobile children
- Designated roles for each staff member
- Assembly point away from the building
- Roll call procedures
- Reunification with parents
- Alternative procedures if normal routes blocked
Fire Drills
- Practise regularly (at least termly, more for new staff)
- Vary timing and scenarios
- Include all children present that day
- Record and review each drill
- Practice with realistic staffing levels
Detection and Alarm
- Appropriate fire detection throughout
- Alarm audible in all areas
- Staff know how to raise the alarm
- Regular testing (weekly alarm test, recorded)
For comprehensive fire safety guidance, see our Fire Safety topic.
Medication Administration
Administering medication requires careful procedures to prevent errors and protect staff.
Policy Requirements
Your medication policy should cover:
- Which medications you will administer
- Consent requirements
- Storage requirements
- Administration procedures
- Record keeping
- Staff training
Key Safeguards
- Written consent from parents for each medication
- Medication in original packaging with pharmacy label
- Clear dosage instructions
- Record every administration (time, dose, who administered)
- Second staff member to witness where possible
- Locked storage for medications
- Return unused medication to parents
Emergency Medication
For children with conditions like severe allergies or epilepsy:
- Individual health care plans
- Staff trained in emergency medication use
- Medication accessible but secure
- Clear protocols for when to use
- Emergency service contact arrangements
Visitor and Collection Procedures
Controlling who enters your setting and who collects children is essential for safeguarding.
Visitor Management
- Secure entry system (intercom, locked doors)
- Sign-in for all visitors with ID check
- Visitors escorted at all times
- No lone access to children
- Visitor badges worn
- Sign-out on departure
Child Collection
- Register of authorised collectors with photographs
- Written consent for anyone other than parents
- Password system for unexpected collectors
- Verification of identity before release
- Recording of who collected each child and when
- Procedures for late collection
Never release a child to someone you cannot verify as authorised, even if the child recognises them. Contact parents to confirm if in any doubt.
Security
- Perimeter security (fencing, gates)
- Supervision of outdoor areas
- CCTV if appropriate (with proper notices and data protection compliance)
- Staff vigilance for suspicious behaviour
Staff Training Requirements
EYFS requires staff to have appropriate qualifications and training.
Mandatory Training
- Safeguarding - all staff, refreshed regularly (typically every 2 years)
- Paediatric first aid - sufficient trained staff on premises at all times and on outings
- Food hygiene - staff preparing or handling food
Recommended Training
- Health and safety awareness
- Manual handling (for lifting children, moving equipment)
- Fire safety and evacuation
- Behaviour management
- Allergy awareness
- Infection control
- SEND awareness
Ongoing Development
- Regular supervision and appraisal
- Induction for new staff
- Update training as requirements change
- Observe and assess competence, not just course completion
For guidance on general workplace safety requirements, see our Workplace Safety topic.
Documentation Requirements
Good record keeping demonstrates compliance and supports continuous improvement.
Essential Documents
- Health and safety policy (if 5+ employees)
- Risk assessments
- Fire risk assessment
- Safeguarding policy
- Accident and incident records
- Medication records
- Staff training records
- DBS and suitability checks
- Parent consent forms
- Attendance registers
Record Retention
Keep records for appropriate periods:
- Accident records - 21 years from date of birth of child
- Staff records - duration of employment plus relevant period
- Medication records - as per your policy (minimum 3 years recommended)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. EYFS requires all registered childcare providers to conduct risk assessments, including childminders. Your assessment should cover your home environment, garden, outings, and activities. It does not need to be lengthy but should identify significant hazards and how you manage them.
Fire drills should be practised regularly - typically at least once per term, and more frequently when you have new staff or at the start of a new intake. Drills should be recorded, including timing, any issues, and how they were addressed. Vary the timing and scenarios to ensure staff can respond in different situations.
Non-prescription medication like Calpol can be administered with written parental consent. You need clear policies covering: when it will be given, dosage limits, recording requirements, and returning unused medication. Some settings only administer prescribed medication to avoid complications - this is a policy decision for your setting.
EYFS does not specify separate ratios for outings, but you must maintain adequate supervision. In practice, many settings increase ratios for outings due to additional hazards. Your risk assessment should determine appropriate supervision based on the children, destination, and activities planned.
While not a legal requirement, public liability insurance is essential. It protects your business if a child, parent, or visitor is injured on your premises or during your activities. Most nurseries and childminders carry at least 5 million in cover. Employers' liability insurance IS legally required if you have employees.
Children with severe allergies require: an individual health care plan developed with parents and health professionals; trained staff who can recognise reactions and administer emergency medication; accessible but secure storage of adrenaline auto-injectors; clear allergen management in food preparation; and communication to all staff about the child's needs. The child's allergy should be documented and communicated at every handover.
Summary
Nursery and childcare health and safety covers:
- Legal framework - EYFS welfare requirements, health and safety law, and fire safety regulations
- Risk assessment - premises, activities, outings, and individual children
- Safeguarding - suitable staff, DBS checks, supervision, and ratios
- Physical environment - indoor and outdoor safety, age-appropriate equipment
- Food safety - hygiene, allergen management, choking prevention
- Infection control - hand hygiene, cleaning, illness exclusion
- Fire safety - risk assessment, evacuation procedures adapted for young children
- Procedures - medication administration, visitor management, child collection
Effective health and safety enables enriching care. It should never mean removing all challenge or wrapping children in cotton wool - but it does mean thinking carefully about risks and managing them appropriately.
Related Content
Topics:
- Fire Safety - Fire risk assessment and compliance
- Workplace Safety - General workplace safety requirements
- COSHH - Control of hazardous substances
- Manual Handling - Safe lifting and handling
Related Sectors:
- Schools - Health and safety for educational settings
- Healthcare - Healthcare safety requirements
- Food and Catering - Food safety guidance
Tools:
- Responsibility Checker - Find out what applies to you
This guidance covers key health and safety requirements for UK nurseries and childcare settings. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. Always check current EYFS requirements and consult with appropriate professionals for specific situations.