Nursery Management – Planning For An Emergency
Four simple steps to make sure your business continuity plan is in place, and that everyone is aware of it
Every business must ensure it can provide regular services to its customers. When there is a major problem it cannot operate normally.
For nurseries this is very important as there are unique requirements to consider. Here are the key risks:
- Damage to the premises (fire, flood), failure of utilities (gas, electricity, water, phones)
- Denial of access to the building (snow, roadworks, damage to adjacent buildings)
- Failure by suppliers to deliver (food, supplies, waste disposal)
- Staff non-availability
- Loss of data.
- Secure site – In case the building needs to be evacuated, a nearby site must already be identified for the assembly of the children and staff. The site must be available immediately and have sufficient facilities (furniture, water, toilets, etc.) to accommodate everyone and to be the collection point for parents.
- Communication – Information about staff, parents and children, including attendance and contact numbers, must be available at all times. It may be necessary to advise staff and parents out of hours if the normal site will not be available the following day, or to advise parents where to collect their children. Availability of fully charged mobiles and access to the internet is essential. Keep the authorities aware of any changes.
- Information – Electronic data must be regularly backed up at another site, or cloud technology may be used, to enable staff to access the data online at home or elsewhere. Ensure there’s a fireproof safe to safeguard items such as paper records, money and key equipment.
- Financial impact – Any incident will have a significant impact on the business. Costs will be incurred, even if the building isn’t available, and new premises, temporary or permanent, must be identified. The insurance that’s provided must be robust enough to support the renewal of the premises and the loss of profits.
Business Continuity Plan
Every nursery should have a plan setting out what needs to be done in case one or more of the above risks materialises. Staff must be aware of the plan, and test and update it regularly.
Stephen Gaubert helps organisations to provide business continuity plans and manage their overhead costs. For more information, call 020 8482 1370 or 07785 340 280, email stephen.gaubert@auditel.co.uk or visit auditel.co.uk/stephengaubert.
