Fire safety in Early Years settings is about much more than knowing where the nearest fire exit is.
Babies and young children rely heavily on adults to recognise hazards, prevent fires and help them evacuate safely during an emergency. For nurseries, preschools and other childcare settings, effective fire safety therefore depends on clear procedures, suitable risk assessments and staff who understand exactly what they need to do.
Understand the risks in your setting
Every Early Years environment is different, so fire safety should reflect the premises, the children attending and the activities taking place.
Common risks may include electrical equipment, heaters, cooking areas, overloaded sockets, combustible materials and blocked escape routes.
The National Fire Chiefs Council Business Fire Safety Awareness Tool provides useful general fire-safety information for businesses and workplaces across the UK. The NFCC describes itself as the professional voice of UK fire and rescue services.
Keep your fire risk assessment up to date
A fire risk assessment should identify potential hazards, consider who may be at risk and identify the measures needed to reduce those risks.
In an Early Years setting, particular attention should be given to babies, young children and anyone who may need additional help to evacuate.
The HSE introduction to fire safety also provides practical guidance on identifying ignition sources, combustible materials and people who could be affected by fire.
Make evacuation procedures realistic
An evacuation plan needs to work in practice, not just on paper.
Staff should understand escape routes, assembly points and individual responsibilities. Settings should also consider how babies, children with additional needs and children who cannot evacuate independently would be supported.
Regular practice helps staff become familiar with procedures and can highlight weaknesses before a real emergency occurs. HSE guidance emphasises the importance of clear emergency plans, trained staff and realistic practice.
Make fire safety part of everyday practice
Good fire safety is built into everyday routines.
Staff should understand common hazards, keep escape routes clear, know what to do when an alarm sounds and understand the importance of reporting damaged equipment or concerns promptly.
Our Fire Safety for Early Years course helps Early Years practitioners build confidence in fire prevention, evacuation procedures and their responsibilities within the setting.
The course is also included within our First Stop Early Years Learning Hub, giving settings access to a growing library of Early Years training and CPD courses.
You can find out more about the wider training available in our guide to the First Stop Early Years Learning Hub.
Ready to give your whole team access? Start your 90-day free Learning Hub trial.
