Risk Assessment Policy for Bake N Play Cookery Club

1. Our Commitment

Dolce Senso Bake N Play is committed to providing a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment where children can learn through practical cooking and baking experiences.

Our activities involve food, kitchen equipment and practical tasks. We therefore assess potential risks and put appropriate control measures in place while allowing children to develop independence and practical skills safely.

**Our aim is not to remove every challenge but to enable children to learn, explore and take appropriate risks within a carefully supervised environment.**

 2. Food Allergies & Intolerances

Risk: Allergic reactions or food intolerance.

Control Measures:

 ·       Parents/carers must provide accurate allergy and dietary information before participation.

·       Ingredient and allergen information is maintained for recipes used.

·       We do not intentionally use nuts in our recipes; however, ingredients may be produced or handled in environments where allergens, including nuts, are present.

·       Appropriate hygiene procedures are followed to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

·       Where an allergy cannot reasonably and safely be accommodated, we may determine that participation in a particular activity is not appropriate.

·       Parents/carers must inform us immediately of any changes to a child's allergy or medical information.

 

3. Burns & Hot EquipmentRisk: Burns from ovens, hot trays, hot food, liquids or equipment.

Control Measures:

Children do not independently operate ovens or handle hot baking trays.

· Hot equipment and food are handled by staff or only under appropriate direct supervision.

· Children receive clear safety instructions before activities begin.

· Age-appropriate equipment and activities are used.

· Food is allowed to cool appropriately before tasting or handling.

· Staff remain alert to hot surfaces and equipment throughout the session.

 

4. Knives & Kitchen Equipment

Risk: Cuts or injuries from knives, utensils or equipment.

Control Measures:

·       Age-appropriate knives and utensils are provided.

· Staff demonstrate safe cutting and chopping techniques before children begin.

· Children are supervised during activities involving knives or potentially hazardous equipment.

· Safety instructions are regularly reinforced.

· Equipment is checked for suitability and condition.

 · **Staff reserve the right to restrict or adapt a child's participation in an activity involving knives or other equipment where they reasonably believe that participation could create a safety risk to the child or others.**

An alternative task should be offered wherever reasonably possible.

5. Slips, Trips & Falls

Risk: Injury caused by spills, bags, equipment or other hazards.

Control Measures:

·       Staff check the working area before each session.

·       Workspaces and walkways are kept organised and clear.

·       Spills are cleaned promptly.

·       Children are reminded to walk rather than run within the activity area.

·       Bags and unnecessary equipment should be kept away from working areas and exits.

6. Food Hygiene & Contamination

Risk: Food contamination or foodborne illness.

Control Measures:

 ·       Children wash their hands before handling food and whenever necessary during the session.

·       Work surfaces and equipment are cleaned appropriately.

·       Ingredients are stored and handled safely.

·       Children are taught basic food hygiene throughout activities.

·       Staff monitor food handling practices during sessions.

·       Food that may be unsafe or contaminated will not be served or taken home.

 

7. Electrical Equipment

 Risk: Burns, electric shock or injury from electrical kitchen equipment.

 Control Measures:

·       In general, children do not need to use electrical equipment during our sessions, as most recipes are prepared during the club and cooked or baked at home.

·       Where a recipe or activity requires the use of electrical equipment, children may only use age-appropriate equipment under direct adult supervision.

·       Equipment that is not suitable for children to operate will only be handled by an adult.

·       Electrical equipment is checked before use and must be in safe working condition.

·       Equipment is positioned safely and kept away from water and other potential hazards.

·       Staff may prevent a child from using any equipment if they consider it unsafe for that individual child or situation.

8. Behaviour, Additional Needs & Safe Participation

Children must follow reasonable safety instructions during practical activities.

 We recognise that children have different abilities and support needs and will make reasonable adjustments where appropriate in accordance with our **SEND & Inclusion Policy**.

However, where a child's behaviour or support needs create a significant safety risk during a particular activity, staff may adapt, restrict or stop that activity for the child.

Where a significant or persistent risk cannot reasonably be managed, we will discuss the situation with the parent/carer and, where appropriate, the school.

The safety of the individual child, the wider group and our staff must always take priority.

 9. Emergency Procedures & First Aid

Risk: Accidents, injuries, allergic reactions or other emergencies.

Control Measures:

· Appropriate first-aid arrangements are available during sessions.

· Emergency contact information is accessible where required.

· Staff follow the school's or venue's emergency procedures where applicable.

·  Serious or significant incidents are communicated to the appropriate parent/carer and school or venue.

·  Accidents and incidents are recorded in accordance with our procedures.

·  Emergency services will be contacted where necessary.

 

10. Ongoing Risk Assessment

Risk assessment does not end when a session begins.

Staff are expected to remain alert throughout activities and carry out **dynamic risk assessment**, responding to changes in the environment, equipment, activity or children's behaviour.

Where staff identify an unacceptable risk, they may modify, pause or stop an activity until it can be carried out safely.

11. Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for following this policy and maintaining appropriate safety standards. 

Parents/carers are responsible for providing accurate and current information relating to their child's allergies, medical conditions and additional support needs.

Children are expected, according to their age and ability, to listen to and follow reasonable safety instructions.

12. Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and following any significant incident, change in programme delivery or identification of a new risk.

It should be read alongside our:

 * Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

* SEND & Inclusion Policy

* Behaviour Policy

* Allergy Policy

* Health & Safety Policy

* Accident & Incident Procedures