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Toys and play equipment should be a source of fun and learning for every child in SEN Space. However, poorly designed toys, toys that are inappropriate for the child’s age and ability, used incorrectly or in bad repair can lead to injury. Where toys are frequently shared between children, they may also become a source of infection. All toys and equipment within the nursery must carry a BS, BSI or CE kite mark, if not visible then they should be checked by the Manager.

 

Always check the age guidance instructions on packaging. As many of the children in SEN Space may have a younger mental age than their actual age, this must be taken into consideration when deciding what toys and equipment are safe or appropriate to use. It is also important to remember that many of the children will have sensory processing issues, or Pica, which may result in children wanting to out objects in their mouths. Extra care must be taken with these children in our setting.

 

It’s important to avoid toys that have:

· Sharp points, jagged edges, or rough surfaces

· Small detachable or insecure parts, that could be swallowed or become lodged in the throat, nose, or ears. 

· Sharp spikes or pins that could be exposed if a child pulls the toy apart.

· Long cords or strings. If the toy has a cord more than 12 inches long, cut it shorter.

· Caps, guns, and other toys that produce very loud noises that could damage hearing.

· Computer games and videos with flickering lights that may trigger fits in epileptic children.

· Mechanisms that fire objects.

 

Staff must check all toys and equipment daily, if you think that a toy is unsafe, or it is found to be damaged it should be removed immediately and taken to the Manager for disposal or repair. Staff must also always be always present and work closely with children who are using any toys in SEN Space if they have a younger mental age, Pica or other additional needs which may make that child more vulnerable to injury.

 

Maintenance of Larger and Electrical Equipment

 

• Because we have a lot of sensory equipment in SEN Space, we have a higher number of electrical items.

• All electrical items must be PAT tested to ensure that they are safe for staff and children to use. This will be organised by management and all items retested every 12 months.

 

Cleaning of Toys and Equipment

 

• Ensure that all toys and equipment are suitable for cleaning, if not then they must be discarded.

• Regularly remove dust from toys, equipment, and all other surfaces. Dust harbours germs and can also induce asthma attacks.

• Clean toys and equipment when visibly soiled, during an outbreak of illness and immediately upon contamination by bodily fluids, (i.e., blood, nasal and eye discharge, saliva, urine, vomit, and faeces). These toys must be removed from the session and only returned once cleaned.

• All toys to be cleaned weekly with a specific Dettol spray. Staff will follow a rota. organised by the management team, so that all rooms / equipment is covered. Managers will check the cleaning that takes place has been sufficient.

• Launder dirty soft toys in a washing machine, following the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Destroy any contaminated soft toys that cannot go into a washing machine. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling contaminated toys and equipment. Ensure that all cleaning products are stored in suitable containers away from the access of children.

 

Storage of Toys and Equipment

 

• Store toys in a clean container or cupboard.

• Always wipe shelves down before replacing clean toys.

• Empty outside toys before and after every session. Children can drown in small amounts of rainwater collected in them. As with all water activities children must be closely supervised.

• Drain and clean with antibacterial cleaner / wipes and dry all receptacles used for water play, after each use.

• Cover all sandpits both indoors and outdoors to prevent contamination, and make sure the sand is sieved regularly for foreign objects. The sand pit must be emptied immediately, and the sand disposed of appropriately if it becomes contaminated with bodily fluids (including animals!). The sand pit should then be disinfected with a suitable sterilising solution.

• Toys and equipment should be stored inside wherever possible as rain, snow and dew cause rust, rot and damage that increase the risk of accidents. Plastic play equipment left outside can become brittle and may subsequently begin to crack.

 

Good Practice

 

• Carry out a thorough inspection of the outdoor toys and equipment before the start of each session.

• Any problems should be reported to the Manager as appropriate, before allowing the children access to the play area.

• Ensure that children wash their hands after water play, sand play, outdoor play or time in a ball pool.

• Replace soft modelling materials and doughs regularly.

• Discourage children from putting toys in their mouths.

• Never allow children to take toys into the toilet area.

• Parents/carers and children should be discouraged from bringing toys from home into SEN Space.

• Any toys from outside the setting should be risk assessed and removed immediately if deemed unsafe. These should be returned to the parent/carer at the end of the session.

 

 

Written by: Vikki Benton 12/09/2023

To be reviewed: 12/09/2024