Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Other subjects
Original poster

Mother and Toddler Group: What is Health and Safety / insurance situation if running one?

15 replies

jenthehen · 17/11/2004 21:58

We have really enjoyed attending our local M & T group but it will close in a few weeks unless someone is prepared to take over the running of it. A group of us have expressed an interest in doing this but we're concerned about health and safety / insurance issues etc It would be a real shame if it was to finish but with society as it is today we don't want to be sued etc should any accidents occur. It is currently held in a village hall and the retiring commitee have run it without insurance. Does anyone here Know anything about what's involved?

OP posts:
mrsflowerpot · 17/11/2004 22:02

Try the Pre-school Alliance here . I was involved with our toddler group for a while and i think this was where we got our insurance. You could also talk to the village hall committee about what their insurance covers, ie do other groups/events that use the building need their own cover.

deegward · 17/11/2004 22:08

Jenthehen, I have said before on here that I am the chair of our local group, and yes the preschool alliance do our insurance. If you want to CAT I can give you the low down on running a group and waht you need etc. Basically alot of mums prepared to help regularly!

You really need insurance, you'd be surprised at the accidents that happen, and although (touching lots of wood as I type) we haven't had to use the policy, it is good to know it is there. HTH good luck

Original poster
jenthehen · 17/11/2004 22:27

Hi deeghward, thanks for responding. Is your group a Mother and Toddler or is it a pre-school? The one we attend is a M & T and is run on a volutary basis but all adults stay with their kids. They also provide a buffet type snack time and from previous work in a school I am aware of issues to to with allergies etc. I wondered if along with the insurance a general disclaimer would have us covered. I know I may sound a bit paranoid but I've always had the view that you can never be too careful in this day and age!

OP posts:
cab · 17/11/2004 22:43

Jenthehen in Scotland most mothers and toddlers groups are members of the Scottish Pre School Play Association which also employs a roving 'adviser'. So assuming you're in England would contact the Pre-school Alliance to ask if they have someone similar who could come and speak to you and help sort things out. They should be able to give you a typical Health and Safety Policy and Risk assessment which you can tweak for your particular group.
Definitely wouldn't run it without insurance.
Before agreeing to take it over check the financial situation - parents' fees and current balance versus cost of snacks, insurance, Pre-school Alliance membership and hall rental. Usually by this time of year there would be some form of fund-raising on the go but if they're talking about closing I would assume this isn't the case so you might have to move quite quickly on the fund-raising front and have a membership drive.
Best of luck.

Original poster
jenthehen · 17/11/2004 22:56

thanks cab I think we're ok on the money front it has been running for about 9 yrs and is popular so he money is there. It would be good if an advisor is available I will call tomorrow.

OP posts:
cab · 17/11/2004 23:10

If the money's OK you're laughing so long as you can get a basic committee together. Shouldn't take long to sort out the insurance et al. Best of luck.

WigandRobe · 19/11/2004 20:19

Message deleted

spod · 19/11/2004 20:35

I'm reading this with interest.... if a toddler is seriously hurt at a M&T group... is the group liable?

WigandRobe · 20/11/2004 13:32

Message deleted

Original poster
jenthehen · 21/11/2004 22:40

Wigandrobe I take it from the name that you are in a position where you would know quite alot about this! How come you need enhanced disclosure from the CRB? What exactly does this mean? Is it really necessary if all carers stay with their children?
I spoke to my local Early Years department in the LEA and they sent be a booklet on good practise for health and safety, recommended an insurance company (morton michel - or something similar, i have it noted somewhere and basically said that was all that was required, they never mentioned social services etc

OP posts:
WigandRobe · 22/11/2004 11:04

Message deleted

Original poster
jenthehen · 22/11/2004 22:19

thanks for the response wigandrobe. I understand about the CRB checks for adults left alone with children but I don't see how it applies to Mother and Toddler groups as the parent is always there. I just know from my teaching career how long these take to do and when supply teaching if you didn't work for 3 mnths they had to be redone so as this is a voluntary thing I didn't think it would be necessary. Could you direct me to any web pages that contain all this information?

OP posts:
WigandRobe · 24/11/2004 14:10

Message deleted

Mommywebb · 10/07/2009 11:33

Hi I am in the process of taking over a mother and toddler group, but looking for advice... I need to know if I need a CRB check straight away? and if so how do I go about getting one?

card4 · 08/02/2011 18:16

Hi
I am inolved with a fairly new parent and toddler group which is quite bus. We had 22 mums at this mornings session. We provide a wide range of activities and snack for kids. Its quite a bit of work especially the snack. SOme students come from th elocal grammar school to help prepare it. Think we are too generous with food - pancakes, fruit and cheese. What do other group give and how can it be simplified? Same mums end up doing wash up. Its only £2 per family. We were thinking of restricting mums to a set number to make it more manageable by registering for 6 weeks at a time is this recommended or not? Thanks for any help

New posts on this thread. Refresh page