Inspection due next week so just reviewing my risk assessments!

Fire evacuation, i have this written down with a map showing where we go. We have done one recently and I think the kids know (as well as me) what we need to do.

RA says fire exit signs! This is my home and I don't want any more posters signs up than I need, but think it will be good for the kids to recognise the signs. Then if they are out in a shop/pre school etc and they see the sign, they will know where to head. OH says if I do this, my hallway and doors would need to be treated as proper fire escapes and kept clear etc, any thoughts?

Also any extra tips for my inspection?

I would say its probably unneccesary and making more work for yourself (I'm sure you have enough already!) although I see your point about teaching children to recognise the fire exit symbol.

Sorry but why does your RAs say something you dont do?

Dont think you should do it either its your home. Maybe just do a follow up chat with your children after a drill, fire fighters, signs, noises and maybe include some makaton too- wouldnt take more than a few mins and get them all to wind down after the adrenaline of a drill

I agree with Babycat - why does you RA say fire exits? Maybe it is a generic one from someone else or from the internet?

My tip before your inspection would be to ensure all documents are for your setting so for example take out the bit about fire exit signs - you could just draw aline through it and date when you did it - and if have a diary or reflective practice file (or similar) jot down that you removed statement and why and make a note to remove it when next review RA.

I have never seen a cm home with fire exit signs and for under fives I would not bother telling them about them - they should always be with an adult when out and about - and if they got separated in an actual emergency it is unlikely from their height that they would see the sign due to all the other people around them - or them following their 'smoke snake' practice and being on the floor. (makes you wonder why they do not have fire exit signs at floor level as well)

With older children I would just tell them about the signs and make a game of it when out to spot the signs.

Penny :)

I have a small sign saying 'fire exit' blutacked to the wall just above the door we use to leave the house in fire practice. I blutacked it so I could take it down at the end of the working day or at weekends, but the reality is I don't even notice its there and had actually completely forgotten it until I read your post!

I agree with your OH's comment that fire exits should be kept clutter free, not just for your inspection but in case there actually is ever a fire so you can all get out safely (in or out of working hours).

in your home you should be aware of your 'fire exits' (as a homeowner and a minder) and practise exiting with the children from those various points (obviously within reason - ie no breaking your upstairs windows in the corner throwing out a mattress and lowering yourself down lol!!!).

I don't have fire exit signs up (nor no smoking) what I do have are clear (reviewed) drawn plans of my house and fire exits (upstairs and downstairs) - oh the joys of having a fireman brother!