Tuesday 5 June 2012

Childcare fire safety rules are clarified in Scotland

FIRE safety regulations are to be amended in order to make clear they apply to childminders.
 Those working in the industry told ministers they want it made more apparent that their businesses need to comply with these.

It comes after the Scottish Government carried out a consultation on what should be classed as "relevant premises" under the terms of the Fire (Scotland) Act, which sets out fire safety duties for businesses.
Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham announced she will amend the regulations to confirm that childminders need to comply with this.

She said: "It is vital that every business in Scotland is aware of its obligations towards fire safety."

She said the consultation had been carried out after some in the care sector expressed concern over how the law applied to them.

Ms Cunningham added: "The changes I am making to regulations within the act remove any doubt that fire safety obligations apply to childminders' premises.

"I am pleased that we have been able to clarify this important piece of legislation."

A spokesman for the Scottish Childminding Association said: "We welcome the steps that have been taken.

"This change allows childminders across Scotland to be absolutely sure of how the law affects them and what they need to do to fulfil their legal obligations in keeping children in their care safe from fire."