One case of food poisoning is one too many

Food safety is very important to childminders especially as children can be more seriously affected by food poisoning and food allergy that some other groups of people. SCMA has listened to the feedback of its membership regarding the Food Hygiene workshop and has now launched a new e-Learning course, in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College. At £55, the cost of the course has been carefully negotiated with the college to ensure members receive the best possible value for money.

Commenting on the launch of the e-Learning course, Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “One case of food poisoning, no matter how minor, is one too many. Childminders just can’t afford to take any risks especially with the health of a child in their care and our new e-Learning course will cover all aspects of safe food handling to ensure that childminders have a high level of knowledge and understanding of the existing legislation and best practice of food handling.”

The e-Learning programme has been designed to support childminders in meeting the Scottish Government National Care Standards: Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 (2009).  It also links with guidance: ‘Setting the Table’, which highlights the importance of nutrition in the early years and the role that childminders and other providers have in shaping both current and future eating patterns in young children in Scotland. It covers all aspects of safe food handling, the management of the working environment including cleaning practices, common pests which are found with food and how to control them, and personal hygiene of those handling the food.

On completion of the e-Learning programme, candidates will receive a certificate of completion of the course content. In order to gain accreditation with REHIS candidates are then required to sit an assessment which an accredited examiner will organise within the local area within the agreed timescales. Once this has been successfully completed, candidates will receive REHIS accreditation.

Remember, if you prepare and serve food to your minded children then you need to register as a food business operator with your local authority - the authority where your 'business' is based. Registering as a food business operator is free of charge. You will need to complete the simple registration form and return it to your local Environmental Health department. Your local Environmental Health department will be based in the Council to whom you pay Council Tax.

The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene e-Learning course is available for SCMA members only.  To book call 0141 272 3218 or email training@glasgowclyde.ac.uk.

To download the leaflet click the link below.