1. Policy Statement

Little Wonderland Nursery Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all staff. This Lone Working Policy aims to protect individuals who work alone in the setting or off-site, recognising the increased risks and responsibilities associated with lone working in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) environments.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and students who may be required to work alone either within the ELC setting, during home visits, or while performing duties outside normal hours.

3. Definition of Lone Working

Lone working refers to any situation where an individual is working without direct supervision or without others present. This may include:

- Opening or closing the setting alone

- Working in a room or area alone

- Performing cleaning or maintenance duties out of hours

4. Risk Assessment

- Risk assessments will be carried out for all lone working activities.

- Staff must not engage in lone working unless risk assessments confirm it is safe to do so.

- Measures will be put in place to minimise identified risks.

5. Responsibilities

**Management will:**

- Ensure risk assessments are completed.

- Provide training and guidance on lone working procedures.

- Monitor and review lone working arrangements.

 

**Staff must:**

- Follow lone working procedures and risk assessments.

- Inform a manager or colleague when they are working alone.

- Keep the nursery phone on at all times and to hand.

- Avoid high-risk tasks (e.g., working at height) while alone.

6. Procedures for Lone Working

- Notify a colleague or manager when starting and finishing a lone working session.

- Use EYLog sign in and sign out system.

- Keep external doors locked when working alone.

- Do not allow access to unknown visitors.

- In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

7. Home Visits or Off-Site Lone Working

- Ensure all home visits are risk assessed beforehand.

- Avoid visiting high-risk environments alone.

- Carry a work phone and ensure someone knows your location and expected return time.

- If at any time you feel unsafe, leave the location and report it to management.

8. Emergency Procedures

- In an emergency, call 999 and alert your manager as soon as it is safe to do so.

- Complete an incident report following any lone working issue or concern.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident related to lone working.

Last reviewed: 20/04/2025

Next review due: [20/04/2026]