Helping children to stay safe and healthy

We know that in order for a child to be able to learn, they first need to feel safe. Feeling safe and secure helps them to develop the confidence to form secure relationships with their educators and peers, and to explore new concepts or environments. The benefits aren’t just for now, this can extend on into later years. One study revealed that children who had secure relationships in early childhood performed better through to age seventeen in critical thinking tests.

Since opening in 2003, the health and safety of children, staff and families has always been the number one priority at Keiki Early Learning.

The measures we take to protect children from harm, injury and illness include, but are not limited to,

• All educators are required to gain their first aid and cpr, child protection, fire safety equipment, safe food handling and asthma and anaphylaxis emergency management qualifications. First aid training is provided free of charge for all permanent educators.
• Environments are constructed in a way that promotes supervision and sun safe practices while supporting children’s access to spaces for physical activity or rest.
• Secure entry and exit points for families and visitors provide added security. Many services require anyone entering to have a unique pin code, while school age care services utilise additional supervision strategies.
• Cleaning is completed throughout the day, following recommendations from current guidelines and approved sources.
• Handwashing is a regular part of the routine; most families know the handwashing song as children love to practice at home.
• Emergency situations are practiced on a regular basis. All children know what to do in the event of an evacuation, lock down or if there is a medical emergency. Most children love to evacuate the building and will tell you all about it at collection time.
• Children’s, families’ and educator’s wellbeing is a focus as we practice strategies such as yoga, breathing and mindfulness within our normal routine.
• Wherever possible we consistently run above ratio, by employing additional ‘float’ educators to ensure that children can always have the support and care they need.

In addition to the above, we regularly incorporate health and safety learning within the curriculum for all ages. Some of the focuses through the year include protective behaviours, dental health, safe sleeping, water safety and wellness days.