Childminding services across Mahé and the Inner Islands are now better prepared to handle fire emergencies, thanks to a comprehensive training session aimed at improving their safety protocols. Seventy childminders and their assistants participated in a Fire Drill and Evacuation Plan Workshop, organized as part of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) Training and Continuous Professional Development initiative for local childcare services. This essential training took place over two Saturdays and focused on enhancing the safety and preparedness of childminders nationwide.
On Saturday 10th August, the training session was held at the Seychelles Trading Conference Room for childminders on Mahé, while participants from the Inner Islands attended a session on Île Eve, Baie Ste Anne, Praslin on Saturday 17th August. The workshop was organized by the Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Standard Setting Division, and was facilitated by Sub Station Officer, Mr. Paul Faure from the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA).
The session highlighted the importance of Emergency Evacuation Plans and the running of fire drills, which are mandatory under the National Standards on Childminding Regulations of 2016. These regulations emphasize the necessity for childminders to engage in training sessions offered by the Institute.
The agenda covered essential topics such as emergency preparedness, fire instructions, evacuation procedures, and vital contacts, specifically tailored for home-based childcare services during emergencies. The theoretical knowledge was bolstered by practical exercises, concluding with a fire drill conducted by Mr. Faure to reinforce the critical skills and knowledge required in emergency situations.
Ms. Maria Emmanuel, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, highlighted the value of these sessions in adhering to regulations and ensuring the safety of young children under their care.
“The session has equipped childminders and their assistants with the necessary tools to implement effective emergency procedures and ensure that they are prepared to act swiftly and safely should an emergency arise,” said Ms. Emmanuel.
Participants left the training with a renewed commitment to prioritizing safety and security in their child care facilities, particularly in potential fire emergency scenarios. This initiative demonstrates the ongoing dedication of the Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Standard Setting Division to uphold the highest safety standards in child care across Seychelles. With additional training sessions planned, childminders can anticipate further opportunities to enhance their emergency preparedness skills.
Following this training session childminders are expected to devise personalized evacuation plans for their homes and to organize fire drills in their child care service on a monthly basis to test and validate the plans. In doing so it will boost their preparedness level, that of their staff and the young children in their care to react confidently in the event of an emergency.
