- Purpose
This policy sets out how First Kick Football prevents, prepares for, and responds to fire. It complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the EYFS 2023 (Safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment), and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
- Roles & Responsibilities
– Operations Director (Responsible Person): overall compliance with fire safety law; ensures policies, procedures, and staff training are in place; signs off the fire risk assessment.
– Holiday Club Manager (Fire Safety Officer on site): leads evacuations, maintains local fire safety arrangements, completes site-specific fire risk assessments and checks, and records drills.
– Office Team: maintain off-site copies of registers and emergency contacts; coordinate servicing schedules and documentation for alarms/extinguishers; file drill and test records.
– All Staff: know evacuation routes and assembly points; supervise children; challenge hazards; take part in drills and training.
- Fire Prevention Controls
– Keep exits/routes clear; fire doors closed (never locked) and unobstructed; signage visible.
– No smoking or vaping anywhere on site.
– Avoid overloading sockets; check for damaged plugs/leads; replace fuses safely.
– Switch off and unplug non-essential equipment after sessions; store flammables safely.
– Good housekeeping: remove waste promptly; keep combustibles away from heat sources.
- Detection, Alarms & Equipment
– Fire alarms/smoke detection are tested in line with manufacturer’s instructions/venue procedures.
– Extinguishers are visually checked and serviced in line with British Standards; only trained staff may use them and only if safe to do so.
– Emergency lighting and signage (where provided) are kept serviceable.
- Evacuation Procedure
1) Raise the alarm and call 999.
2) Evacuate immediately by the nearest safe exit; do not stop for belongings and do not re-enter once out.
3) If safe, take registers, emergency contact list, first-aid kit, and emergency medication (e.g., inhalers, auto-injectors).
4) Close doors/windows if safe to slow fire/smoke spread.
5) Assemble at the designated point; take a roll-call and account for all children, staff, and visitors.
6) If anyone is missing, inform the Fire & Rescue Service immediately; staff must not re-enter the building.
7) Maintain supervision until children are collected by authorised adults.
Note: See the Emergency Evacuation and Emergency Closure Policy for further detail.
- Children’s Induction & PEEPs
– Children are introduced to fire safety rules during induction and through the annual drill.
– Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are prepared for any child who may need assistance (mobility, sensory, medical, communication).
- Drills, Training & Record Keeping
– A full fire evacuation drill is held at least once per year.
– All drills are recorded in the Fire Drill Log (date, time, evacuation time, issues and actions).
– Staff receive induction and periodic refresher training on fire safety and evacuation.
- Fire Risk Assessment
– A fire risk assessment is completed annually, and reviewed sooner after any significant change or incident.
– The assessment follows recognised steps: identify hazards; identify people at risk; evaluate, remove/reduce risks; record/plan; review and update.
- Communication & Documentation
– Fire action notices are displayed by exits; routes and assembly points are clearly signed.
– Emergency contact details are kept with the register on site and held securely off site by the Office Team.
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation, guidance, venue arrangements, or following an incident.