Health & Safety

Safety and Risk Assessment

OHSAS certification means that we have in place the policies, procedures and risk assessments required to achieve the best possible safety standards for our learning environment, aligned to internationally recognised best practice.

Each branch is equipped either with a double gate entrance, or a card security system. We have systems in place to make sure only authorized staff and families can enter the areas dedicated to children. All our outdoor play areas are fenced. We have CCTVs in our indoor and outdoor spaces and all our places are closely monitored.

Indoors, all the doors used by children are equipped with finger guards, and our windows are equipped with child safety locks. All electrical outlets are capped. All our branches are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Our outdoor floorings are safe-fall zones, and our playground equipment is checked weekly.

Emergency procedures

Our branches have emergency evacuation protocols in place and we regularly hold training sessions for our staff and carry out evacuation drills. Our procedures are reviewed yearly by the Civil Defense and our sites are regularly inspected to ensure the highest standards of safety.

Sanitation

Our learning spaces and our teaching resources are cleaned on a daily basis, with safe, non-toxic cleaning products. We keep our cleaning products locked away from the reach of children. In the classes of younger children, we have special diapering areas, separate from the children's play areas, and we use special nappy disposal bins.

Principles of hygiene are part of our daily routine. Current research shows that hand-washing is the single most important factor in the fight against the spread of infection. Children wash their hands before and after handling food, after using the toilet, after outdoor play and after specific activities.

Healthy eating

Current research has clearly demonstrated that children's eating habits can have a dramatic impact on their health, not only during their childhood, but later on in life. A nutrient-rich eating plan is therefore essential for our children's health, right from the start.

FIN's mission is not only to have a positive influence on the nutritional intake of our children, but also on the knowledge and attitudes the children have towards food and a healthy lifestyle. Our menus of breakfasts, snacks and lunches have been specifically designed by our nutritionist. All our food items are prepared on site. We do not use nuts in any item offered to the children. Special dietary requirements are discussed with the parents, and an alternative eating plan can be arranged.

Every activity is a learning opportunity at FIN. Mealtimes offer an opportunity to extend children's social and language skills. Children learn the appropriate du'as before and after eating, they learn table manners and can practise their speaking and listening skills. The child-sized utensils we use make it easier for children to serve themselves and learn to eat independently.

Medical support

Each branch has a dedicated fully equipped clinic, with a full time licensed nurse, as per UAE rules and regulations. Temperature checks are carried out on a daily basis, and throughout the day, if a member of staff notices that a child is not well. We also have a visiting doctor coming on a weekly basis to carry out regular check-ups and monitor the health and physical development of our children. Our staff are trained in paediatric first aid and CPR.

Illness

In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children, we notify parents when a child is not well, to help prevent an illness from spreading. We also ask parents and guardians not to bring their child if they display any of the following symptoms:

• Fever, with other symptoms such as rash, vomiting, earache, irritability, or confusion
• Diarrhoea (runny, watery or bloody stools)
• Vomiting (two or more times)
• Body rash with fever
• Sore throat with fever and swollen glands
• Severe coughing
• Abnormal eye discharge
• Yellowish skin or eyes

Should your child be absent with an infectious illness, make sure you provide a doctor's clearance certificate on your child's first day back at the nursery.

Medication

Nonprescription medicine: At the time of registration, parents will be asked to fill in a medication form for a specific type of liquid paracetamol, which can be given in the case of an increase in the child's temperature. This form will state the dose, the circumstances in which it can be given, the specific brand, and a signed statement that this may be administered in an emergency if they cannot be contacted. The Nursery will always try other means of reducing a child's temperature first, and will always endeavour to contact the parents beforehand.

Prescription medicine: Parents need to fill in a written approval form, available in the administration office. Medications must be stored in the original container, carrying the child's name, dosage, and date of expiration. The medication will be administered by our in-house nurse, following the directives on the label or by an authorized physician.

Transportation

Our buses are specially designed with safety restraints. We use special seats according to the age of the children. Parents of babies wanting to use our transport service will have to provide a special car seat to suit the needs of their child. Our drivers follow an intensive training and our female bus assistants are all RTA certified (a requirement for the Dubai branch).