Suitable and safe premises

Information and advice on your responsibility to ensure safe and suitable premises.

Early years and childcare providers have a responsibility to ensure safe and suitable premises under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. For details, view:

  • EYFS for childminders – section 3.61 to 3.75
  • EYFS for group and school providers – section 3.62 to 3.76

Fire safety

You must take reasonable steps to make sure children, staff and anyone else in your premises is safe in the event of a fire. You must also have a clearly defined procedure for the emergency evacuation of your premises.

Fire safety tips

  • ensure you have a fire risk assessment
  • review the fire risk assessment annually
  • hold regular fire drills
  • promote good housekeeping
  • ensure electrical safety
  • create fire escape routes
  • train your employees in fire safety
  • know your fire extinguishers
  • create a fire safety strategy
  • know the layout of your premises

For detailed information on the above, visit the fire safety in the nursery and childcare sector website.

Fire safety activities

West Sussex fire and rescue service can visit settings to give advice to early years and childcare providers, and parents and carers. To find out more, visit their FireWise page. They also provide ideas for fun activities to help children and young people understand first safety on their learning zone page.

Further information is available from GOV.UK on fire safety in the workplace.

Activities to promote fire safety to children:

  • role-play fire stations with costumes, possibly water hoses or water pistols
  • a trip to the fire station
  • 999 activities
  • read and share books (factual and fiction)
  • play games to find the fire exits
  • play stop, drop and roll games
  • carry out fire drills with the children
  • detect the smoke detectors – how many can a group of children find in the building
  • bubble escape – blow bubbles and get the children to stay below them
  • mark the map – make maps of the building and mark where the fire escapes are

Environmental health

Food safety

Food safety is vital for early years and childcare providers to consider. Robust food safety processes protect children’s health, as they are more vulnerable to illnesses and hazards due to their developing immune systems.

Maintaining hygiene, safe food practices and clean environments supports healthy growth, prevents disease and fosters lifelong healthy habits for children. The Department for Education has further information for settings on food safety.

Maintaining a healthy environment

Ensuring a clean environment in early years and childcare settings is important. It protects children from infections and illness, and promotes their overall wellbeing. Cleanliness, proper hygiene practices and attention to health needs, creates a safe space for children to grow, learn and develop.

High-risk areas where germs can thrive, such as toilets, nappy changing areas and food prep areas, mean it is important that rigorous cleaning processes and procedures are in place.

You can find specific information and guidance on health protection considerations for early years and childcare settings on GOV.UK.

Useful links