Fire Safety Policy

School Age Service – Ireland

Name of Service: Blossom’s Childcare

This policy is available at all times and communicated to parents, guardians, and school age children.

 (Compliant with Fire Services Act 1981, Articles 18 & 19)

This policy outlines our service’s commitment to preventing fire hazards, preparing for emergencies,

and ensuring the safety of children, staff, and visitors.

The fire assembly point is located outside the main building and clearly marked.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

 Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all occupants in the event of a fire.

 Comply with the Fire Services Act, 1981, specifically:

o Article 18: Obligation to take all reasonable fire safety measures.

o Article 19: Duty to notify the Fire Authority of any serious fire risk.

 Provide clear procedures for fire prevention, detection, evacuation, staff training, and

incident response.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

 All enrolled children

 All staff, students, volunteers, visitors, and contractors

 All areas and facilities used by the school age service

3. Legal Framework

This policy is developed in accordance with:

 Fire Services Act, 1981

 National fire safety guidance and best practices

 Requirements set by Tusla and the local Fire Authority

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

4. Fire Safety Responsibilities

Manager / Person in Charge

 Ensure full compliance with fire safety legislation

 Maintain and review the Fire Safety & Evacuation Plan

 Organise:

o Annual fire safety checks and servicing of equipment

o Fire safety training for all staff

o Fire risk assessments and log maintenance

 Act on any reported fire risk and, if necessary, inform the Fire Authority

Fire Safety Officer

 Monitor fire drills, equipment maintenance, and hazard prevention

All Staff

 Participate in fire drills and fire safety training

 Know evacuation procedures and the location of fire exits and equipment

 Will be made aware of the fire assembly point outside the main building which is clearly

marked

 Supervise and assist children and visitors during emergencies

5. Fire Safety Measures

(To ensure compliance with Article 18 of the Fire Services Act)

Fire Prevention

 No smoking anywhere on the premises

 Flammable materials (e.g., cleaning products) are stored securely

 Electrical equipment is used safely and maintained regularly

 Heating appliances are inspected regularly

Fire Detection and Equipment

 Fire alarms and smoke detectors:

o Installed throughout the premises

o Tested weekly

o Record in writing the number, type and maintenance records of firefighter

equipment and smoke alarms.

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

 Fire extinguishers and fire blankets:

o Clearly marked and easily accessible

o Serviced annually

 Emergency lighting is tested and functional

 All fire exits:

o Clearly marked, unlocked, and unobstructed

o Checked daily

6. Fire Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a fire or alarm activation:

1. Raise the alarm if not already activated

2. Staff gather children and evacuate calmly via the nearest exit

3. Proceed to the designated assembly point

4. Conduct a headcount and attendance check using the daily register

5. Manager (or assigned person) checks rooms if safe to do so

6. Contact emergency services (112 / 999)

7. Do not re-enter the building until authorised by the Fire Brigade

8. Inform parents/guardians once children are safe

7. Children with Additional Needs

 An Individual Emergency Evacuation Plan (IEEP) is developed for any child requiring extra

assistance

 Staff are trained to implement these plans effectively during evacuations

8. Fire Drill Practice

 Fire drills are conducted at least once every three months

 Drills include setting off the alarm to simulate real conditions

 All children are supported and reassured

 Drill records include:

o Date and time

o Number of people evacuated

o Duration of evacuation

o Observations or issues identified

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

9. Fire Risk Notification (Article 19 Compliance)

If a serious fire risk is identified (e.g., blocked exits, hazardous materials, structural risk):

 Staff must report it immediately to the Manager

 The Manager:

o Investigates and resolves the issue promptly

o If the risk cannot be resolved internally, notifies the local Fire Authority without

delay

10. Training

 All staff complete fire safety awareness training at induction

 Annual refresher training is provided, covering:

o Use of fire extinguishers and fire blankets

o Evacuation procedures

o Assisting children and ensuring supervision during emergencies

 Records of all training sessions are maintained

11. Visitors and Contractors

 Informed of evacuation procedures on arrival

 Accompanied by a staff member during any evacuation

 Contractors must follow fire safety requirements while on site

12. Record Keeping

We maintain comprehensive fire safety records, including:

 Fire drill logs

 Equipment servicing records

 Weekly fire alarm and exit checks

 Fire risk assessments

 Staff training documentation

13. Post-Incident Procedure

 Following any fire-related incident:

o A written incident report is completed and reviewed

o Fire procedures and this policy are re-evaluated

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

o Tusla is notified if the incident affects service operations or child safety

14. Emergency Contacts

 Emergency Services (Fire, Ambulance, Gardaí): 112 / 999

 Local Fire Station: Nutgrove Fire Station

 Manager / Fire Safety Officer Contact: Lorraine Mellon – 087 799 5505

15. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

 Fire legislation changes

 Requested by Tusla or the Fire Authority

 A fire incident or risk assessment highlights the need for revision

Display & Communication:

This policy and evacuation procedures are displayed in key areas (e.g., Entrance Hall, kitchen, main

play area) and communicated to all parents, guardians, and children.