The preparation and cooking of food is a safe and enjoyable
activity as well as an important life skill if sensible precautions are taken
to avoid accidents and hygiene common sense is observed. If not, it can be very
dangerous, potentially life threatening.
Guidelines
To minimise the potential risks and hazard the following
procedures and guidelines will be adhered to whilst promoting a healthy
lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene.
Check
any special dietary needs or allergies of those involved first.
Groups
of children, preferably no more than six (maybe less according to age,
ability and nature of task) to be supervised at all times.
Personal
hygiene to be explained to children
Hair
to be tied back
Clean
aprons to be worn
Staff
and children to wash hands thoroughly
No
coughing or sneezing etc. near food preparation area and then wash again.
Ensure
all work surfaces and utensils are clean. Use anti-bacterial cleaner.
Use
work surfaces at an appropriate height to the children and the task so
utensils may be used correct and safe manner
Wipe
any spills on floor immediately (to avoid slipping)
Wash
all fruit and vegetables before cooking
When
mixing food take care that spoons fingers and bowls are not licked until
afterwards. Never allow a mixture that contains raw egg to be eaten.
Keep
flexes, pan handles, kettles out of reach and watch children do not touch
cooker/oven. Explain safety measures you are taking and why
When
food is cooked or prepared cool it, keep it covered. Keep hot items out of
reach of children
Take
care when using knives. Children can use fairly sharp knives when on a
chopping board providing an adult is guiding them or as long as the child
is sensible and following instructions of the adult (as appropriate to the
child) but generally it is best to use table knives. Ensure hands kept on
handles, fingers kept away from blades and potato peelers used away from
the body.
Children
should clear and clean up after themselves. They can use a bowl and tray
with as hot water as is safe. Staff may have to clean utensils again in
the kitchen. Wash knives separately as it is easy to cut hands in water.
This policy is to be used in conjunction with our Health and
Hygiene and Safety Policies.
