Our emergency evacuation policy ensures the safety of all children and visitors at our premises in the event of a fire, gas leak, explosion, or flood. We maintain clear exit routes and conduct regular training to ensure a swift and calm response to any emergency.

Emergency exit routes

We have identified primary and secondary escape routes to be used depending on the situation:

• Main exit: The front door is our primary exit. The key is kept on a hook inside the porch for quick access and is never left in the lock.
• Second exit: We can also exit via the back door into the garden. The key is stored on a high hook to the left of the door, out of children's reach. From the garden, we can access the back alley through the garden gate.
• Windows: While the kitchen window can be opened to lower a child to the ground, it is not the quickest route. We prioritize using the front or back doors as the primary means of escape.

We ensure all evacuation routes are kept completely clear of obstructions, such as deliveries, toys, or buggies, at all times.

Emergency equipment and maintenance

Our setting is equipped with essential safety devices to alert us to danger and help manage small incidents:

• Fire blanket: Located in the kitchen next to the microwave, we use this to smother small pan fires. We check its condition every three months.
• Smoke and heat alarms: We have smoke alarms installed in the hallway and at the top of the stairs, and a heat alarm in the kitchen. These are tested weekly and vacuumed every five weeks to prevent dust buildup.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors: Detectors are located in the hallway and the boiler cupboard. These are also tested weekly to ensure they are functional.

We maintain a detailed log of all tests, battery replacements, and equipment lifespans to ensure every device is in peak working condition.

Emergency grab bag

We keep a dedicated 'Emergency grab bag' on a peg in the front porch. This bag is designed to be taken with us during an evacuation and contains:

• Emergency contact folder: Parent contact details and emergency service numbers.
• First fid and medication: A first aid kit and any specific prescribed medications (like inhalers or Epipens) for children in our care.
• Communication and power: A mobile phone and portable power bank.
• Comfort and essentials: Emergency foil blankets, tissues, hygiene wipes, a torch, and spare keys.

We audit the contents of this bag on the first Monday of every month to ensure all supplies are in date and contact information is current.

Practice and inclusion

To ensure children feel confident and safe, we practice our evacuation procedure every three months. These drills are carried out on different days and at different times so children know what to do regardless of their current activity.

We are committed to inclusive safety. For children with additional needs—including mobility challenges, hearing or visual impairments, or sensory processing issues—we develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). This plan is created in collaboration with parents to ensure we have the right specialist equipment or specific prompts needed to assist the child during an exit.

Training and visitors

We make all new children and visitors aware of our emergency exits and display our evacuation plan clearly. We maintain valid paediatric first aid certificates and engage in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with the latest safety standards.