Introduction

Your Way Inc, is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This policy outlines the principles and procedures to ensure safety in all aspects of our operations, from physical safety to emotional well-being.

Policy Statement

Your Way Inc, prioritises the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in our programs and activities. We are dedicated to implementing comprehensive safety measures, conducting regular risk assessments, and fostering a culture of safety awareness and responsibility.

This policy ensures that Your Way Inc. provides a safe and nurturing environment for children and families, fostering trust and confidence in our programs and activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, children, families, visitors, and partners of Your Way Inc. It covers all premises, programs, activities, and events organized by or affiliated with the organization.

Objectives

• To provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants.
• To prevent accidents and incidents through proactive safety measures.
• To ensure prompt and effective responses to safety concerns and emergencies.
• To comply with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations.

General Safety Guidelines

1. Risk Assessments:

1. • Regular risk assessments must be conducted for all premises, activities, and programs to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
   • Risk assessments must be reviewed and updated annually or whenever there are significant changes to activities or environments.

2. Safety Training:

1. • All employees and volunteers must receive safety training as part of their induction process and ongoing refresher training.
   • Training topics include emergency procedures, first aid, fire safety, child protection, and specific safety protocols related to their roles.

3. Supervision:

1. • Adequate supervision must be provided for all activities involving children to ensure their safety and well-being.
   • Staff-to-child ratios must be maintained in accordance with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Physical Safety

1. Premises Safety:

1. • All premises must be maintained in a safe condition, with regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards.
   • Safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and first aid kits, must be available and regularly inspected.

2. Activity Safety:

1. • All activities must be planned and conducted with safety in mind, including the use of appropriate equipment and protective gear.
   • High-risk activities must have specific safety protocols and require parental consent.

3. Transport Safety:

1. • Safe transportation arrangements must be made for all off-site activities, including the use of licensed and insured vehicles and qualified drivers.
   • Seat belts and appropriate child restraints must be always used.

Emotional and Psychological Safety

1. Child Protection:

1. • A child protection policy must be in place, outlining procedures for reporting and responding to suspected abuse or neglect.
   • All staff and volunteers must receive training on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse and neglect.

2. Bullying Prevention:

1. • A zero-tolerance policy for bullying must be enforced, with clear procedures for reporting and addressing incidents.
   • Programs and activities should promote inclusion, respect, and positive relationships.

3. Emotional Support:

1. • Access to emotional and psychological support must be provided for children, families, and staff as needed.
   • Activities should promote mental well-being and resilience.

Health and Hygiene

1. Infection Control:

1. • Hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and sanitizing, must be promoted and followed by all participants.
   • Procedures for managing illness and infectious diseases, including isolation and notification, must be in place.

2. Food Safety:

1. • Safe food handling and storage practices must be followed to prevent foodborne illnesses.
   • Special dietary needs and allergies must be identified and accommodated.

3. First Aid:

1. • Adequate first aid supplies must be available at all locations and activities.
   • Staff and volunteers must be trained in basic first aid and CPR.

Emergency Procedures

1. Emergency Planning:

1. • Emergency plans must be developed for all premises and activities, covering scenarios such as fire, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and security threats.
   • Plans must include evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication protocols.

2. Drills and Exercises:

1. • Regular drills and exercises must be conducted to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
   • Participants must be familiar with emergency procedures and know their roles in an emergency.

3. Incident Reporting:

1. • All accidents, incidents, and near-misses must be reported and documented using an incident report form.
   • Reports must be reviewed to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and organizational needs.