Are you planning to start a day nursery? It’s important to understand the regulations, licenses, and legal requirements that are necessary to make it a success, depending on the country in which you’ll operate. Here are some core regulations you must know:
Registering your day nursery:
Before approaching the relevant authority in your country, ensure that your nursery meets the standards of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This involves registering your day nursery with your country’s specific regulator. In England, this is Ofsted (Office For Standards in Education), while in Wales, it’s CSSIW (Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales). In Scotland, it’s the Care Inspectorate, and in Northern Ireland, it’s the Health and Social Services Board (HSSB).
Taking out the relevant day nursery insurance cover:
You must be fully covered for things like public liability and sickness. It’s also essential to have insurance policies that cover staff and children away from the nursery, e.g., during a nursery trip. Business interruption insurance is another excellent option worth considering.
Food safety and hygiene:
Food safety and hygiene standards are strictly enforced. If you’re responsible for managing your day nursery’s food handling and preparation, you must meet the qualifications noted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). In addition, the FSA’s Safer food, better business pack for childminders will guide you on necessary hygiene regulations for storing, cooking, and chilling food.
Health and safety requirements:
To comply with strict health and safety requirements, create a health and safety policy that outlines how you’ll conduct risk assessments, fire safety and risk, reporting injuries, evacuation procedures, maintenance, and storing and handling hazardous substances.
Staffing regulations:
It’s crucial to adhere to strict staffing regulations, which include specific numbers of staff to be present per child and specific staff qualifications.
By keeping these core regulations in mind and meeting the necessary legal requirements, you can ensure that your day nursery runs smoothly and efficiently.
