Our Fire Safety Policy aims to keep all staff and children safe from fire risks.  Our procedures ensure that fire risks are prevented and that in the event of a fire, all staff and child can evacuate safely.

We operate our fire safety measures as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which provides the minimum safety standards for non-domestic premises.

Fire Safety Leads

• Fire Safety Responsible Person: Abigail Grant-Williams, Director
• Fire Safety Manager: Natalie Pullein
• Fire Safety Manager: Russell Grant

Your rights and Responsibilities

• All staff are entitled to undergo basic fire safety training.  Fire responsible staff will undertake a Level 2 RoSPA accredited Fire Safety course.
• All staff are entitled to be instructed about risks, safety measures and what to do in the event of a fire.
• Every member of staff will be designated a Fire Marshall and duties will be allocated each week based on attendance.
• Staff have a responsibility to report concerns, not misuse safety equipment, follow fire safety instructions and not put others at risk.

Fire Safety

We have specific fire concerns, which we plan for and risk assess.  

These are:

• We rely on the Fire Service using a pump for access the water supply.
• The ability of the occupants (under 5s) to evacuate is compromised by their mobility - they are reliant upon the adults caring for them.

Fire Service Access 

We provide vehicle access for the Fire Service and their appliances.

• Access to the Nursery School is not height restricted
• Gateways meet minimum requirements for width and kerbs meet the minimum width of road between them.
• A turning circle between the kerbs/walls also meets the minimum requirements

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/community-safety/fire-safety-commercial-domestic-planning-applications/2

Water Supply

We provide water supplies for firefighting.

• A river and pond which is capable of storing or providing at least 45,000L of water at all times of the year.
• Suitable access to the waterways, space and hard standing for a pumping appliance will be provided.
• A minimum of 20L/sec (1200L/Min) is required.
• Not more than 70m from the complex.

Fire Precautions

The responsible person must take fire precautions to ensure the safety of children and adults on the premises.  These general fire precautions are:

• Measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of fire on the premises and the risk of the spread of fire on the premises.
• The provision of suitable means of escape from the premises.
• Measures for ensuring that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all times.
• Provision of suitable and adequate firefighting equipment
• Provision of suitable means for detecting and giving warning of a fire on the premises.
• Measures for ensuring the maintenance and testing of fire precautions and equipment.

Fire Risk Assessment

The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precaution measures to be taken.

• We carry out fire risk assessment of the premises and review them regularly.
• We tell workers about risks identified.
• We will ensure fire safety measures are maintained and an emergency plan is in place.
• We will provide information, instruction and training.
• All staff have a responsibility to report fire safety concerns.
• All wheelchair users will have a specified evacuation procedure.  When assisting a wheelchair users, you need to confirm their arrangements and assist as required - this is recorded in their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan  (PEEP).

Fire Emergency Evacuation Procedures

• An Emergency Evacuation Plan is in place and all staff are trained in implementing the plan.
• Fire Safety notices detail the Emergency Evacuation Plan in the event of a fire.
• Emergency Evacuation Plan drills will be carried out once every 12 weeks.
• A Fire Assembly Point is clearly marked in the car park adjacent to the building.
• An Emergency Exit is provided within each room.
• The escape rout is the quickest route out of the building.  Only if the immediate escape route is block should you use an alternative.
• An Emergency Exit light showing the way to the exit is provided within each room in the event of loss of power, these are battery powered..
• An additional Emergency Exit is provided with a key accessed via a safety/break glass box.
• A fire extinguisher is provided in each room and should be used as follows:
  • Wood, paper, plastic burning - water, foam, dry powder, wet chemical extinguishers
  • Flammable liquids - foam, CO2, dry powder extinguisher
  • Flammable gas - dry powder extinguisher
  • Electrical fires - CO2 extinguisher
• Fire extinguisher training will be to use the PASS technique - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (excluding Class F fires).
• For baby evacuation, each member of staff should be able to carry three babies each out of the building.  We also use an evacuation trolley where it is safe to do so.
• For children who can walk, they will be escorted out of the building by staff.
• In the event of an evacuation, all staff in the building will be required to assist in the evacuation of the children.
• All staff and children will be reported to the fire marshal to confirm that all those listed on the attendance register are accounted for.
• All staff and children will be required to remain at the assembly point until advised by the Fire Marshall or Fire Service that it is safe to return to the building.
• Depending upon the severity or location of the fire, staff and children will be moved to the secondary fire assembly point in the car park of Alder Mill Business Park.  They will remain at this point until collected by their parents/carers.
• If an emergency evacuation occurs inclement weather, staff and children will be moved to another safe location for shelter until their parents/carers can collected them.

Dated: 12 September 2024 Review date: December 2025