Belle Vue Primary & Nursery School

Health & Safety Policy 2021

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Section One

General Statement of Health and Safety Policy

This Policy statement is subsidiary to the Directorate of Children’s Services

Health and Safety Policy Statement and Dudley MBC’s corporate health and
policy statement and is provided in accordance with Section 2(3) of the Health
and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The school’s Governing Body along with the school’s Senior Management
Team recognise and accept their legal responsibilities for Health and Safety
within the school. We recognise as responsible employers and/or as persons
in control of premises the need to provide a safe working environment for
employees, pupils and others who may be affected by our activities.

To ensure the above is met the school’s Governing Body and Senior
Management Team will so far as is reasonably practicable provide to ensure
that:

• Compliance with all relevant Health and Safety Legislation applicable to us

is managed
• Information, instruction, training and supervision is provided The
premises and grounds are maintained in a safe condition There is safe
access and egress to all parts of the school premises.
• Plant and equipment is safe to use
• Safe systems of work are defined, implemented and managed
• Off site visits are conducted in a safe manner and risks are identified and
controlled
• The handling and use of substances and articles is safe at all times and
procedures exist for their safe use
• Adequate welfare facilities exist at all times
• Risk assessments are undertaken for all tasks, and information is readily
available, appertaining to the risk assessments and the controls required
to ensure a safe working culture.

To ensure that Health and Safety is given a high profile within the school the
Governing Body will, within its allocated resources from the devolved capital,
set aside adequate finances for this policy to be complied with and any
allocated works/safety projects to be completed.

To provide for continued improvement in our health and safety performance

staff are encouraged to support the Governing Body in their implementation of
this policy and other safety initiatives for the school.

Health and safety consultation is important to us and will be undertaken as

appropriate on matters affecting the health and safety of employees, pupils or
visitors to the school.

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This policy statement, along with section 2 the organisational structure and
section 3 the arrangements and procedures, has been approved by the
school’s Governing Body.

Signed: Date:

Chair of Governing Body

Signed: Date:

Head Teacher

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Section Two

Organisation for Health and Safety

1. School Governing Body

School Governing bodies have responsibilities for protecting the health and
safety of staff, pupils and visitors as follows:

• To take all reasonable measures within their power to ensure the school
premises are safe and not hazardous to the health and safety of staff,
pupils and visitors. The Council, as the Local Authority (LA), may take
action where a governing body does not discharge this duty appropriately
under the scheme of delegation.
• To accept their responsibilities and carry out the requirements of the
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other relevant legislative
requirements introduced through Act’s, Regulations or Guidance, so far as
is reasonably practicable.
• To assist the Headteacher to produce and implement an effective Health
and Safety Policy including Organisational arrangements and Procedural
documents for work activities.
• To regularly review the heath and safety arrangements within the school to
ensure that the organisational structures are effective and meet the needs
of the school.
• To agree with the Headteacher a policy for financing health and safety
matters which come within the responsibility of the school, and to notify the
council of all health and safety matters which cannot be resolved for
financial or other reasons, whether or not it is the responsibility of the
school.
• To be aware of and comply with safety legislation, codes of practice and
guidance notes and their application to the school.
• To receive through the Headteacher or school staff copies of health and
safety reports or fire reports noting the action taken or to be taken to
implement the recommendations or requirements.
• To support the management of the school to ensure all school staff carry
out their health and safety responsibilities and duties.
• To ensure that the appropriate training is given to inform and educate
school management and staff of their health and safety responsibilities and
duties.
• To establish as a matter of good practice committee’s that deal with health
and safety matters e.g. Site and Premises Committee, fire risk committee
or similar designated committee.
• To receive minutes of the committee’s and to confirm or recommend the
appropriate action necessary.
• To encourage and support the work of the trade union appointed safety
representatives in carrying out their role within the school.

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2.1 Headteacher

The Headteacher has the following responsibilities:

• To establish and implement a suitable Health and Safety Policy within the
school, the policy is to include the organisational arrangements necessary
to make the policy within the school effective.
• To be responsible to the Governing Body for securing the full
implementation of the schools Health and Safety Policy.
• To establish and regularly review risk assessments (Generic, Specific and
Fire) as required by the relevant legislation and to incorporate the findings
of the assessments into a risk management process within the school.
• To regularly review the schools Health and Safety Policy and the
supporting organisational arrangements and practices.
• To ensure that arrangements are made for informing governors and staff
about the health and safety policy and that they have access to it.
• To ensure that health and safety responsibilities and duties are properly
assigned, accepted and understood by the relevant staff and to review
periodically the effectiveness of the health and safety arrangements.
• To ensure all staff comply with the requirements of the health and safety
policy and supporting rules/procedures.
• To encourage and support the school staff in carrying out their health and
safety responsibilities and duties.
• To ensure there is a designated member of staff (which may be the Head
teacher) to undertake specific duties on health and safety and to act as
“safety co-ordinator” between the school, the council, the safety officer’s,
the enforcing authorities and service providers.
• To maintain copies of the relevant health and safety publications, codes of
practice, guidance notes and safety booklets and ensure these documents
are readily available for use by staff.
• To ensure that the appropriate training is given to inform management and
staff of their health and safety responsibilities and duties.
To encourage and support the health and safety training for school staff
and pupils.
• To encourage and support the work of any school health and safety
committee and its individual members.
• To receive minutes of the health and safety committee and to confirm, or
recommend, the appropriate necessary action to be taken.
• To encourage and support the work of the trade union appointed safety
representatives in carrying out their role within the school.
• To prepare health and safety reports of a technical or financial nature as
required.
• To receive health and safety reports prepared by school staff and to act
upon them as appropriate.
• To receive health and safety and maintenance reports from the authorities
safety officers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors, the
West Midlands Fire Service, The Environmental Health Officers and

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 service providers, bringing the problems and recommendations to the
attention of the school staff and governors.
• To draw up a schedule of items or activities for which the school is
responsible, laying down safe working procedures, where this is required
by relevant legislation.
• To draw up a programme of work in conjunction with the school governors
to implement health and safety requirements where the responsibility lies
with the school in accordance with the scheme of delegation.
• To establish an effective control system for the employment of contractors
through which their safety policies are vetted and their work procedures
monitored in accordance with the scheme of delegation.
• To consult with the council regarding the implementation of health and
safety requirements where the responsibility lies outside the school.
• To consult with the councils Safety Officer or West Midlands Fire Service
Officer’s prior to making changes to the layout of the school or undertaking
activities which could affect general or fire safety.
• To establish and implement an effective accident reporting procedure
within the school in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases
and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 and guidelines supplied by
the council and monitor the processing of accident forms in accordance
with the accident reporting procedure.
• To establish and implement an effective first aid procedure within the
school in accordance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
1981 and guidelines supplied by the HSE/DfES.
• To maintain an effective fire evacuation procedure and conduct regular fire
drills to test the effectiveness of the procedures.
• To set up, co-ordinate and monitor the procedure for testing portable
electrical appliances and ensuring that a log is kept of all appliances, their
periodic inspections (as defined by the Electricity at Work Regulations) and
tests by a competent person.
• To agree safety procedures for special events, which involve the use of
temporary lighting, displays or plant and equipment etc. being brought onto
the premises.
• To STOP IMMEDIATELY any work, process, plant or equipment (including
contractors operations) where it is considered there is a serious breach of
health and safety legislation, or a hazard has been created that is likely to
affect staff, pupils or visitors to the school and to inform the Safety Officer
immediately of any actions taken.

2.2 School Management Team (this includes Deputy Head, Curriculum

Coordinators, Heads of Year, Heads of Departments, Site Managers, and
Clerical Managers/Supervisors).

In addition to the general duties of staff, supervisory staff will be directly

responsible to the Headteacher or a member of staff nominated by the
Headteacher, to have overall day-to-day responsibility for the implementation
and operation of the school’s health and safety policy within their relevant
departments and areas of responsibility.

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In particular they will ensure for their areas of responsibility that:

• Safe methods of work exist and they are implemented.

• Staff, pupils and others under their area of responsibility are instructed in
safe working practices.
• Health and Safety rules and procedures are applied effectively and
complied with.
• Risk assessments are conducted for all leisure, work and experimental
activities and information on the risk assessments is disseminated to
relevant persons.
• Safety inspections are regularly made and reports are provided to senior
managers on the findings so that resources can be allocated to correct
deficiencies.
• Guarding fitted to all plant and equipment is adequate for the task and
regularly inspected.
• Signs are displayed advising of authorised use only for plant and
equipment and that unauthorised use is prevented at all times.
• Appropriate facilities in the form of personal protective equipment and fire/
first aid facilities are available at all times.
• Hazardous, flammable and highly flammable substances are stored
correctly.
• Any Health and Safety concerns are reported to the Head Teacher or their
deputy immediately identified.

3.1 School Health and Safety Co-ordinator

The Head teacher may delegate these responsibilities to the Health and
Safety Co-ordinator in part or in full:

• To assist the Headteacher to plan, implement and assess the Health and
Safety Policy and Organisational arrangements and regularly review the
system of risk assessments as required by the relevant regulations.
• To assist the Headteacher to regularly review the schools Health and
Safety Policy and Organisational arrangements.
• To ensure that members of staff are aware of and have access to the
schools Health and Safety Policy.
• To inform new or temporary staff of their Health and Safety responsibilities
and duties and to provide the necessary information and advice for them to
carry out their duties.
• To liaise with the Headteacher and, where appropriate seek further advice
on:
• The implications of safety legislation, codes of practice and
approved safe working procedures.
• The health and safety aspects, affecting the design and layout of
new and reorganised working areas.

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 • The health and safety aspects of new plant, equipment and personal
protective clothing.

• To carry out periodic inspections, with departmental managers, of

premises and other work places, plant, tools, equipment and work
activities, reporting to the head teacher and other managers who have
responsibilities for actioning health and safety reports.
• To assist management with the preparation of departmental safe working
procedures and safety rules.
• To liaise, where appropriate, with the councils Safety Officers, the Health
and Safety Executive Inspectors, West Midlands Fire Service Fire
Prevention Officers and Environmental Health Officers.
• To identify and recommend suitable health and safety training courses to
enable staff to carry out their health and safety duties and maintain a
record of staff attendance/certification.
• To support the investigation of accidents, dangerous occurrences and near
misses occurring on the school premises and reporting the findings to the
Headteacher as appropriate.
• To regularly monitor:
• The first aid procedure within the school, including the
availability of first aid equipment and trained staff.
• The fire evacuation procedure within the school and arrange for
regular fire drills to test the effectiveness of the procedure.
• Compliance with the control of substances hazardous to health
Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

• To attend, as appropriate, the committee of the governing body dealing

with health and safety and to prepare agenda items and safety reports.
• To receive health and safety reports prepared by the school staff and to
act upon them as appropriate.
• To support the headteacher to follow up and progress the actions of
reports received from council safety officers, health and safety executive
inspectors, west midlands fire service officers, environmental health
officers and other service providers.
• To advise Headteachers or heads of departments to STOP IMMEDIATELY
any work process, plant or equipment (including contractors operations)
where it is considered there is a serious breach of health and safety
legislation, or where a hazard has been created likely to affect the safety of
staff, pupils or visitors to the school.

4.1 Class Teachers

Class teachers are responsible to:

• Exercise effective supervision of their pupils

• Understand the fire evacuation procedures for the school and assembly
points to evacuate to.

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• Understand the first aid and accident reporting procedures and to comply
with them.
• Follow the health and safety measures identified for their area of teaching
and any relevant safety procedures e.g. CLEAPS.
• Personally follow safe working procedures and ensure pupils follow good
examples of safe working.
• Ensure the use of protective equipment and guarding as required.
• Report to the Head or SiteManager any safety issues or omissions
identified so that they can be rectified.
• Only work with equipment supplied by the school.
• Ensure all accidents incidents and near misses are reported through the
normal channels.

4.2 Employees [including temporary and voluntary]

All employees have a duty to carry out their work with due regard for the
health and safety of themselves, other employees, pupils and the general
public and to observe health and safety requirements relevant to their
activities.

Employees will:

• Co-operate with the Headteacher and the school management team, so as

to enable them to carry out their statutory duties and responsibilities
effectively.

• Report to the Headteacher hazards and near miss incidents, which could
result in injury.
• Report to the Headteacher all accidents, however minor, from which an
injury is sustained or plant or equipment damaged.
• Co-operate in the investigation of accidents or incidents with the object of
preventing a recurrence and with any statutory duty placed on the School
Management Team.
• Undertake their duties in accordance with their training, instruction and
Schools policy.
• Use all machinery, equipment, dangerous substances and safety devices
provided in accordance with training and instruction received.
• Attend all training courses and briefing sessions required by their Head of
Department and Schools policy.

4.3 Directorate of Children’s Services Health and Safety Officer

The Health and Safety Officer for the Directorate is responsible for providing
advice and support to schools on all aspects relating to Health and Safety.

Their main brief is to:

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• Facilitate the implementation of Corporate Policy within their directorate.
• Develop directorate policy where no corporate policy exists due to the
nature of their activities
• Implement directorate procedures to comply with corporate policy
• Advise directors/senior managers, line managers and schools on health
and safety issues
• Inspect premises/sites

Develop health and safety training courses and delivery

• Monitor/audit and review health and safety progress across their

directorate
• Liaise with enforcement agencies
• Should the need arise due to risks to life in serious injury to stop the
activity/close the premise – reporting back to the appropriate director as
soon as practicable and the corporate health and safety team
• Investigation of serious accidents/incidents
• Preparing an annual health and safety report and advising their respective
DMTs on action plans in consultation with Corporate Health and Safety.
• Liaise on a regular basis with the Corporate Health and Safety Team.
• Contribute to the development of corporate policies and procedures
• Represent their directorate at working groups on request of the Principle
Corporate Health and Safety Officer

4.4 School Health and Safety Representatives

The Governing Body and Headteacher recognise the role of the safety
representative and we will support this role by encouraging safety
representatives to investigate accidents and potential hazards where it is safe
to do so, pursue employee complaints and be involved in school safety
inspections.

Functions of safety representatives

• To represent the employees in consultation with the employer

• To investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences at the
workplace (whether or not they are drawn to his attention by the
employees he represents)
• To examine the causes of accidents at the workplace
• To investigate complaints by any employee he represents relating to that
employee’s health, safety or welfare at work
• To make representations to the employer on matters relating to health and
safety arising from the above points
• To make representations to the employer on general matters affecting the
health, safety or welfare at work of the employees at the workplace
• To carry out workplace inspections

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• To represent the employees she/he was appointed to represent in
consultations at the workplace with inspectors of the Health and Safety
Executive and of any other enforcing authority
• To receive information from HSE inspectors
• To attend meetings of safety committees where he attends in his capacity
as a safety representative in connection with any of the above functions;

4.5 Pupils

All pupils will be responsible for:

• Complying with school rules and procedures and any instructions given in
an emergency situation
• Taking reasonable care of themselves and others
• Co-operating with class teachers and other school staff
• Using equipment and substances in the manner in which they are
instructed
• Making full use of personal protective equipment provided for them to use
when it is required
• Observe standards of dress consistent with safety and hygiene
requirements
• Not to misuse anything provided for the purpose of safety or fire
requirements
• Report to their teacher/Headteacher anything they believe to be harmful or
dangerous

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Section Three

General Arrangements Sections

To ensure a continued safety culture and provide control against risks from
activities undertaken by the school the following procedures and
arrangements have been developed:

1. Accident Reporting and Investigation

2. Asbestos
3. Consultation with staff
4. Buildings work and contractors – attached policy
5. Display Screen Equipment – attached policy
6. Electrical equipment/appliances – attached document
7. First Aid Provision – attached document
8. Fire Safety
9. Inspection/Maintenance of Emergency Equipment
10. Legionnaires Disease –
11. Lone Working
12. Offsite Visits
13. Risk Assessments
14. Security
15. Sun Protection
16. Vehicles on Site
17. Violence and Aggression
18. Volunteers in School
19. Stress/Wellbeing
20. Working from height
21. Work Experience
22. Hazardous Substances
23. Health and Safety Information & Training Consultation
24. Safety at the Swimming Pool
25. Manual Handling –
26. Premises & Work Equipment Statutory Inspections
27. New and Expectant Mothers

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Section 1: Accident reporting and Investigating

Outline
Accident Reporting Procedures In accordance with the accident/incident
reporting procedure employees must report accidents, violent incidents,
dangerous occurrences, and near misses on the relevant forms.

For significant incidents the witness of the incident will complete the accident
form using the relevant paper form. The Business Manager will input the
accident information online to the Local Authority.

The Local Authority will be responsible for any RIDDOR requirements.

• The local accident folder is located in the first aid room and are used to
record all minor incidents to pupils
• Bumped heads are always recorded and bumped head letters will go
home with the child and Parents informed.
• School accident reports will be monitored for trends and a report made
to the Governors, as necessary.
• The Head Teacher, or their nominee, will investigate accidents and take
remedial steps to avoid similar instances recurring. Faulty equipment, systems
of work etc. must be reported and attended to as soon as possible.

The definition of an accident is an unexpected, undesirable event which

causes damage or harm, therefore it is thought of as something which
happens without planning or intention; chance

Accidents do not just happen there is always a cause behind the event and
this can be down to a management failure or a human trait.

1. Dudley Corporate accident procedure

The corporate Health and Safety department for Dudley MBC have developed
an accident reporting procedure and within this procedure there are corporate
reporting forms that must be used for the reporting of all accidents, this
procedure can be found by following the link when logged into the Dudley
Intranet via CONNECT:

http://insidedudley/corporate/info&res/healthsafety_/scheduleb11/default.htm

The procedure makes reference to procedure 1 requiring following for

employees and this is the A3 accident book that should be completed.

For schools only, If the accident relates to a school pupil/non employee on

the school premises then the form provided in this procedure (see attached
example) must be used.

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These forms are to be used for the recording and reporting of all accidents to
non employees no matter how small or trivial they may seem.

1. Where to report accidents/incidents

For all accident reports all completed accident forms are to be forwarded to
Westox House FOA Anne Poole or Kate Hadley-Jones.

2. Time Scale for Reporting

All accidents should be reported as soon as you are aware of them.

The HSE require accidents that result in a loss of three days or more from
work to be reported to the HSE within 10 days, the process for reporting this is
to complete a form known as F2508 which can be done via the internet
(www.hse.gov.uk/riddor) this form will be generally completed by the staff at
Westox House, however if one is completed by the school then a copy must
be immediately forwarded to Westox House staff to prevent duplication.

The expression ‘three days or more’ means, in practice at least four days.
“For example, if a person who normally works Monday to Friday is injured on
Friday and returns to work the following Wednesday, the Saturday and
Sunday would have to be included when counting the days of incapacity. The
total period of incapacity would be four days and the injury must be reported”.
If the employee returns to work within three days after the accident but is
unable to undertake normal duties and is given other work to complete for
three days or more as defined above, then this also makes the accident a
HSE reportable incident as the person is unable to carry on there normal work
duties.

If the accident involves a major injury or death then it must be reported

immediately, a major injury is defined below:

• Any fracture (break, crack or chip) other than to the fingers, thumbs or
toes.
• Any amputation.
• Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine.
• Loss of sight (whether temporary or permanent).
• A chemical or hot burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye.
• Any injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn (including any
electrical burn caused by arcing or arcing products) leading to
unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for
more than 24 hours.
• Any other injury:
o leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or to unconsciousness,
o requiring resuscitation or o requiring admittance to hospital for more
than 24 hours.

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• Loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or by exposure to a harmful
substance or biological agent.
• Either of the following conditions which result from the absorption of any
substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin - o acute illness
requiring medical treatment; or o loss of consciousness.
• Acute illness which require medical treatment where there is reason to
believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agent or its toxins or
infected material.

3. Investigation of accidents

All lost time reportable accidents must be investigated. The school will appoint
a responsible person to investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to
provide a report and record of the events that lead up to the occurrence, and
the immediate action taken after the occurrence.

The report will be kept on file up to a period of time relevant to three years
after the young person has reached the age of eighteen.

For employees the documents should be kept for a period of three years after
the harm has become apparent. In general terms this could be for the life of
the employee.

It is important that accidents are investigated as quickly as possible after the

occurrence, providing that it is safe to enter the accident zone. Any delays
could mean that it is less likely that the true facts may be ascertained.

Where there are witnesses it is advisable to obtain statements as soon as

possible, ensuring that witnesses are not allowed to gather to discuss their
version of the events as this could paint a completely different picture by
confusing their version with some other persons. Witness statements are
required for HSE reporting and where a civil claim may result. Photographs
are also very useful in an investigation and should be taken as soon as
possible after the incident has occurred.

A thorough investigation should answer the following questions:

• What caused the accident?

• Who & what was involved?
• When did it occur?
• Where did it occur?
• Why did it occur?
• How could it have been prevented?
• How can a recurrence be prevented?

It may well be useful in remembering the start of Rudyard Kipling’s poem; I

keep six honest serving-men, when undertaking an accident investigation

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I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are what and why and when and how and where and who.

The cause of an accident should never be classified as “carelessness” as the

only remedy to a careless act is to be more careful in the future, a thorough
investigation should look into whether the cause was e.g. due to not following
instructions or written procedures.

4. Accident Investigation Report

This record enables all details relating to the circumstances surrounding an

accident/incident to be recorded, and is designed to facilitate an effective
investigation process. Part 1 of the record simply involves recording the
personal information relevant to the accident/incident.

In part 2, under ‘working conditions’, where there are no deviations from the
normal working conditions at the time of the accident/incident, ‘normal’ should
be entered in the box. Where there was some deviation, such as poor
weather, these details should be entered. At this relatively early stage, the
investigator should enter the possible cause of the accident/incident when
describing how it occurred. It does not matter if further investigation reveals
that these are not the main causes.

Part 3 should summarise the potential risk of the accident/incident by entering

high (H), medium (M) or low (L) into the appropriate box.

Part 4 is the most important part of the investigation process. After reviewing
the information that has been obtained, the accident investigator must list all
direct and indirect (contributory) causes of the accident/incident along with
details of any corrective action required. To achieve this, it may be beneficial
to obtain the views of employees or managers.

5. Guidance on Direct and indirect causes

To consider a simple illustration, suppose someone trips over an unsecured

section of carpet flooring and is injured. The direct cause(s) will often be
identified quickly – and might include the loose carpet, someone rushing
about, perhaps not concentrating or looking where they were going, or
carrying something so they could not see where they stepped. The loose
carpet will hopefully be secured in place without delay, and in many cases,
that is the only outcome.

Suppose, however, that the carpet had been loose for some time, which
several other people had previously tripped over, but not sustained injury, that
damage to carpets was being reported on a regular basis but nothing was

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ever done – until someone was actually injured. This could be related to
procedural compliances or management failures, which are Indirect causes

The law requires employers to take control measures and manage the risks
before an accident occurs. Accident investigations should be looking further
than the immediate causes and outcomes.

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 Schools Accident Investigation Form for Non employees

Part 1. Personal Information

Name of injured person

Address:

Occupation/dept/School
Nature of injury (or
damage/near miss)

Names of witnesses
Statements taken Yes No

Part 2. Incident details

Date/time of incident
Location of incident
Work being performed
Working conditions
Description of incident (state possible cause)

Part 3. Assessment of risk associated with incident

What is the likelihood of the incident recurring? State “very likely, probable or remote”
How many people could have been Risk Rating High, Medium or low
affected?
Risk assessment ref No Risk assessment amended Yes/No

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 Part 4. Conclusions

Causes of incident
Direct causes:

Indirect causes:

Corrective Action Required

Type of action Undertaken by Date Signature

whom compl
eted

Part 5. Review

Review of corrective action required Yes No

Name of person carrying out review

Signature

Part 6. Investigation

Name

Signature/date

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Section 2: Asbestos

The asbestos survey is held in the Site Managers office and will be made
available to all staff and visiting contractors prior to any work commencing on
the fabric of the building or fixed equipment.

The schools asbestos monitoring person/s will be the Site manager and an LA
approved contractor.

On an annual basis the contractor will inspect the remaining ACMs.

Refresher training is required 3 yearly.

The school shall ensure:

• The asbestos log is maintained and that any changes are acted upon.
• All work on the fabric of the building or fixed equipment is entered in the
permission to work log and signed by those undertaking the work.
• A visual inspection of asbestos containing materials on site will be carried
out and recorded in the asbestos log.

Please note that even drilling a hole or pushing a drawing pin into asbestos
containing materials may result in the release of fibres into the air. Under no
circumstances must staff drill or affix anything to walls without first obtaining
approval from the Head Teacher.

Any damage to materials known or suspected to contain asbestos should be

reported to the Head Teacher and the Local Authority, who will contact the
relevant agencies.

Any contractor who is suspected to be carrying out unauthorised work on the

fabric of the building should be reported to the Head Teacher.

Further information on asbestos can be found at the following HSE link:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/information.htm

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Section 3: Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Guidance
Procedure

Consultation within the school

Employers have a legal duty to ensure that the school continues to be

proactive towards health and safety issues we will progressively encourage
the appointment and development of Safety Representatives.

Where safety representatives are not available we will ensure our legal
requirement to communicate with staff is maintained by regular team meetings
where Health and Safety is an agenda item. Any concerns raised at the
meetings will be tabled for the Governors health and safety meeting to be
resolved.

Safety representatives are appointed by trade unions to represent their

members on health and safety issues. In some workplaces, they have agreed
to represent the entire workforce.

Safety representatives are entitled to be consulted ‘in good time’ about health
and safety measures. ‘In good time’ means that the employer must allow
enough time to tell the safety representatives about what is proposed, and for
the safety representatives to consult with their fellow workers and get their
views. Those views then need to be reported back to the managers before
any final decision is made or any action is taken. In emergencies or urgent
situations, however, action needs to be taken first.

This process allows the workforce to consider the effect of health and safety
changes before they are made. Not only does this mean that procedures or
work practices are improved, but workers are more likely to follow procedures
they themselves have helped develop.

1. Role of the Safety Representative.

Safety representatives under the safety representatives and safety

committees regulations 1977 are entitled to:

• representing employees in discussions with the employer on health, safety

or welfare issues and in discussions with HSE or other enforcing
authorities;
• to be consulted ‘in good time’ about health and safety measures;
• being involved with risk assessment procedures;
• attend safety committee meetings;
• having access to relevant health and safety information;
• inspect the work place;
• investigating potential hazards;

21
• accident and ill health investigations;
• investigating employees' complaints;
• receive information from health and safety inspectors;
• paid time off to carry out their duties and for training;
• have access to suitable facilities and assistance to carry out their
functions.

2. Representative of Employee safety

In non-unionised workplaces where there are no safety representatives or in a

workplace that has trade union recognition but either the trade union has not
appointed a safety representative, or the union safety representative does not
represent the whole workforce, the Health and Safety (Consultation with
Employees) Regulations 1996 will apply. These state that the employer must
consult with their employees directly or through elected representatives of
employee safety.

A representative of employee safety is an employee, elected by the workforce

to represent them in consultations on health and safety issues. Their employer
must consult them ‘in good time’ on matters relating to their health and safety
at work.

Representatives of employee safety have functions under the law to:

• represent the interests of workers to the employer;
• approach the employer regarding potential hazards and dangerous
occurrences at the workplace;
• approach the employer regarding general matters affecting the group of
employees they represent.

Representatives of employee safety are also entitled to speak for the group of
employees they represent in consultation with inspectors from the enforcing
authorities and are legally entitled to paid time off for training, which must be
paid for by employers.
The key aim of an Representative of employee safety is to ensure that the
views of the workforce are effectively reflected to managers before decisions
on health and safety matters are taken.

3. Safety committees

Where there are two or more elected trade union safety reps (not necessarily
from the same union), the employer must set up a joint trade
union/management safety committee if the safety reps request one in writing.
This must be done within three months, and membership must be balanced
between management and union’s sides.

The functions of the safety committee might include: -

• the study of accident statistics and trends.

22
• the examination of safety audit reports.
• the consideration of reports etc. from Inspectors.
• the consideration of reports from Safety Reps.
• assistance in the development of safe working procedures/systems.
• assessing the effectiveness/adequacy of training and communication on
safety matters.
• the provision of a link with the enforcing authority.

4. Inspection of the workplace

Safety reps may inspect the workplace if they have given the employer
reasonable notice in writing.

Inspections should not to be more frequent than quarterly, unless by

agreement with the employer.

Where there has been a substantial change in work conditions or new

information/guidance has been published by the HSC/HSE an inspection can
be made within the three-month period.

The following forms of inspection (or a combination of any or all of them over
a period of time) may be appropriate:
• Safety tours (general inspections)
• Safety sampling (sampling of particular areas, activities etc.)
• Safety surveys (inspection of particular areas, activities etc.)

Employers must provide facilities and assistance and may be present during
the inspection.

5. Inspections following accidents etc.

Where there has been a notifiable accident, dangerous occurrence or disease,

safety reps may carry out an inspection of the workplace concerned. The
objective for such inspections is to prevent a recurrence and therefore a joint
approach to them is encouraged.

6. Inspection of documents and provision of information

Safety reps are entitled to inspect and take copies of any document relevant
to the workplace (but must give the employer reasonable notice).

Employers must make available to safety reps necessary safety information

except where this may be against the interests of national security, where it
would contravene a prohibition, where it relates to an individual (unless his/her
permission has been given), where it would cause substantial injury to the
employer’s undertaking (or the undertaking of the supplier of the information)
or information obtained by the employer for legal proceedings.

23
Further guidance:
• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
(Third edition 1996)
• Health and Safety Consultation with Employees Regulations 1996

24
Section 4: Building Work and Contractors

Contractors
All Contractors used by the school shall ensure compliance with relevant
health and safety legislation, guidance and good practice. All Contractors
must report to the school office where they will be asked to sign in and wear a
visitor’s badge.
Contractors will be issued with written safety guidance to include fire
procedures, local management arrangements and vehicle movement
restrictions. The Site Manager will be responsible for monitoring areas where
the Contractors’ work may directly affect staff and pupils and for keeping
records of all Contractors work.
School Managed Projects
The school will use known or approved Contractors. The Site Manger
/Business Manager will undertake appropriate competency checks prior to
engaging a Contractor. Contractors will be asked to provide risk assessments
and method statements specific to the site and works to be undertaken. The
school, Contractor(s) and any Sub Contractor(s) involved will agree the risk
assessment and safe systems of work to be used prior to works commencing
on site.

Control of
contractors and visitors guidance.docx

25
Section 5: Display Screen Equipment Policy
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
All staff who habitually use computers as a significant part of their normal
work (significant is taken to be continuous / near continuous spells of an hour
at a time) e.g. admin staff, office manager and Head Teacher etc. shall carry
out a self-DSE assessment. All workstations, chairs, and associated
equipment shall comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety
(Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and current British Standards.
School office staff will be responsible for checking this when ordering. A
designated person is responsible for coordinating display screen equipment
assessments.
Where the results of an assessment indicate a risk to the user of such
equipment, all reasonable steps are undertaken by the school to eliminate
these risks or otherwise reduce them to avoid the adverse health effects.
Those staff identified as DSE users shall be entitled to a free eyesight test for
DSE use every 2 years by a qualified optician. Where necessary a
contribution is made towards the cost of lenses. Details of this can be
obtained from the Head Teacher.
Suitable training and information is given to users of display screen equipment
to recognise the hazards associated with non-interrupted use of such
equipment and the appropriate precautions to be taken.
Pupil Workstations
Best practice guidelines will be adopted when setting up pupil workstations.
Pupils use display screen equipment for short durations.
• Staff are responsible for connecting and disconnecting computers/iPads etc.
• Food and drink should not be consumed by students near the computers.
• Students are regularly reminded by staff of the importance of not spending
too many hours in front of a monitor.
• Any problems with the equipment should be reported to the ICT Network
Manager.
SEN Students and Computers:
Some SEN students may be provided with individual equipment. Teaching
staff should liaise with the SEN department and ascertain the arrangements
that have been set up with the student for printing etc. Where a student has
physical disabilities, staff must be aware of any implications for computer
work, before that work arises, to avoid any embarrassment for the student.

26
Section 6: Electrical equipment/appliances
Statutory tests associated with electrical installation and portable electronic
appliances as required to be undertaken by schools.

The following statutory tests are required on electrical installations and

portable electrical appliances.

A. PERIODIC INSPECTION REPORT for an ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

(PIR).

Schools shall employ a Contractor to undertake a full PIR at intervals not

exceeding 5 years.

PIR’s shall comply fully with the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
publication Guidance Note 3, Inspection and Testing and Part 7, BS 7671
(generally known as the IEE Regs). Contractors employed for this work shall
be members of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) or the National
Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Any
observations and recommendations coded 1 or 2 in the resultant PIR shall be
attended to as a priority and a “satisfactory” PIR achieved; items coded 3 and
4 shall be attended to as part of the schools planned maintenance all in
accordance with the guidance notes issued with the PIR.

Routine Checks. The routine checks described in the IEE Guidance Note 3
shall be undertaken at intervals not exceeding 4 months. The person
undertaking the 4 monthly routine check shall ensure that all previously
reported defects have been rectified and then:

1. Look for, amongst other things:

Breakages
Wear / deterioration
Signs of overheating
Missing parts (covers, screws, etc.)
All equipment being accessible
All mechanical protection being in place (cable covers, enclosures, etc.)
Adequate labelling
Loose fixings

PIR (Continued) And then:

2. Operate:
Switchgear and switches (where reasonable)
Equipment - switch off and on (this shall include RCD test buttons)

Any items identified as needing attention in the routine check shall be

rectified as a priority. These routine checks need not be carried out by an
electrically skilled person but shall be by someone who is able to safely use
the installation and recognise defects and action remedial work.

27
All remedial work, whether from the PIR or the routine check, shall be
undertaken by a suitably qualified person.

Additional electrical testing may be required to comply with the requirements

of Dudley MBC for any event that requires a licence or other permit to be
issued. The PIR for an electrical installation when used as part of a Premises
Licence (for public entertainment) application is only valid for 12 months and
when an Electrical Certificate confirming compliance with Dudley MBC
requirements is issued for the licensing of a temporary event that electrical
certificate is only valid for the duration of that temporary event. If in doubt
over licensing and / or permit requirements advice shall be sought from

Dudley MBC Licensing Office,

5 Ednam Road, Dudley,
DY1 1HL. (telephone 01384 815380).

A school shall hold a copy of their current PIR together with a copy of the
immediately previous PIR in their Health & Safety file. Copies of the
completion certification for any electrical work that may have been
undertaken by the school between PIR’s shall also be held in the Health
& Safety file; such completion certification should be issued automatically to
the client by any accredited electrical contractor. Schools are to forward
copies of all PIR’s and completion certification for electrical work to the
Building & Estates Team, DELL, Ward House, Himley Hall, DY3 4DF

The inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment is outside of the

scope of BS 7671. and is covered by the following:
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
The scope of this requirement is detailed in the Institute of
Electrical Engineers publication Code of Practice for In-Service Testing of
Electrical Equipment. For PAT requirements see Part B of this document.

B. PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT)

Schools shall have all their portable electrical equipment (including extension
leads) inspected and tested in accordance with the Institution of Electrical
Engineers Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical
Equipment.

The frequency and extent of checking, inspection and testing of portable

appliances shall be undertaken as detailed in the following table:

28
TABLE 1
FREQUENCY OF PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING FOR SCHOOLS
CLASS I CLASS II
(WITH EARTH (DOUBLE / FULLY
TYPE OF TYPE OF USER CONNECTION) INSULATED)
PREMISES EQUIPMENT CHECKS See Note 4
See Note Formal Combined Formal Combined
2 Visual Inspection Visual Inspection
Inspection and Inspection and
See Note Testing See Note Testing
3 3
Stationary equipment Weekly None 12 months None 12 months
Commercial IT equipment Weekly None 12 months None 12 months
Kitchens on Moveable equipment Before 75 days * 12 months 75 days * 12 months
School Portable equipment use 75 days * 12 75 days * 12
Sites See Hand held equipment Before 75 days * months# 75 days * months#
Note 1 use 12 12
Before months# months#
use
Stationary equipment Weekly None 12 months 12 months 48 months
IT equipment Weekly None 12 months 12 months 48 months
Schools Moveable equipment Weekly 75 days* 12 months 75 days* 48 months
Portable equipment Weekly 75 days* 12 months 75 days * 48 months
Hand held equipment Before 75 days* 12 months 75 days * 48 months
use

Notes

A commercial kitchen on a school site is a kitchen where meals are cooked /

prepared for consumption on that or any other site. School kitchens that are
used for serving meals that are prepared elsewhere are not considered to be
commercial kitchens.
User checks are not recorded unless a fault is found.
The formal visual inspection may form part of the combined inspection and
testing when they coincide.
If the class of equipment is not known it must be tested as Class I.
* 75 working days. Based on a 5 day working week and no term
exceeding 75 working (teaching) days this frequency of inspection coincides
with the school calendar.
# Based on a typical school year of 195 teaching days.

PAT (Continued)

User Checks. The user checks described in the IEE Code of

Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment shall
be undertaken at the intervals prescribed in the table on page 3 of this

29
document (TABLE 1-Frequency of Portable Appliance Testing for Schools).
The person undertaking the user check shall ensure that all previously
recorded defects have been rectified and then:

Ensure, amongst other things:

• The flex is undamaged and of the appropriate length. The plug (where
fitted) is undamaged, properly terminated and not overheating.
• The socket-outlet (or flex outlet) is undamaged and not overheating.
• That the appliance can be used safely – does it switch on/off correctly, is it
free from cracks and contamination damage, are live parts accessible?
• That the equipment works correctly and is appropriate for its task and for
the environment that it is being used in.
• Take Action on Faults or Damage. Faulty or damaged equipment must be:
• Switched off and unplugged from the supply.
• Clearly labelled to show that it must not be used.
• Reported to a responsible person and the problem recorded in the school
Health & Safety file.
• Any item identified as needing attention in the user check shall be rectified
as a priority. These user checks need not be carried out by an electrically
skilled person but shall be by someone who is able to safely use the
installation and equipment and recognise defects and action remedial
work.

Formal Visual Inspections.

• The formal visual inspection described in the IEE Code of Practice for In-
Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment shall be
undertaken at the intervals prescribed in the table on page 3 of this
document (TABLE 1-Frequency of Portable Appliance Testing for
Schools).
• The person undertaking the formal visual inspection shall have
successfully completed the City & Guilds Course 2377-002: Certificate of
Competence for the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment or the
course run by Dudley MBC Central Safety Office (Peter Groom ext.4706).
• The results of the formal visual inspection shall be recorded on a form as
recommended in the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and
Testing of Electrical Equipment and a copy of the results handed to the
school for retention in the school Health and Safety file.
• PAT (Continued)

Combined Inspection and Testing.

• The combined inspection and testing described in the IEE Code of
Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
shall be undertaken at the intervals prescribed in the table on page 3 of
this document (TABLE 1-Frequency of Portable Appliance Testing for
Schools).
• The person undertaking the combined inspection and testing shall have
successfully completed the City & Guilds Course 2377-002: Certificate of

30
 Competence for the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and
would normally be member of the ECA or NICEIC.
• All results of the combined inspection and testing shall be recorded on a
form as recommended in the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service
Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and a copy of the results
handed to the school for retention in the school Health and Safety file.

• All remedial work, whether from the user check, the formal visual
inspection or the combined inspection and testing, shall be undertaken by
a suitably qualified person.

SHOULD ANY QUERIES ARISE OR CLARIFICATION BE REQUIRED ON

ANY ASPECT OF THIS DOCUMENT PLEASE CONTACT
DAVID WINTER ON 01384 814536

SUMMARY

Periodic Inspection Report for the Electrical Installation. (PIR) Full PIR – By an accredited
Tradesperson – every 5 years.
Routine Check – By a member of staff – 4 monthly. PIR for Premises Licence (for
public entertainment) - By an accredited Tradesperson – As required.

Portable Appliance Test. (PAT)

User Check – By a member of staff – See Table 1.
Formal Visual Inspection – By a competent person – See Table 1.
Combined Inspection & Testing – By an accredited Tradesperson - See Table 1.

COPIES OF ALL PIR’s AND COMPLETION CERTIFICATION SHALL BE FORWARDED

TO:
Paul Mills, Building & Estates Team, DELL, Ward House, Himley Hall, DY3 4DF.

Guidance on the
Maintenance of Portable Electrical Appliances and Fixed Electrical Systems.docx

31
Section 7: First Aid Provision

1. Background
The main legislation relating to First Aid at work is the Health & Safety (First
Aid) Regulations 1981 which require employers to provide adequate and
appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be
provided. The Legislation places duties on Employers for the health and
safety of their employees and anyone else on the premises; this includes non-
teaching staff, pupils and visitors.

First Aid provision must be available at all times while people are on school
premises, and also off the premises on school visits.

A Department for Education and Employment booklet on guidance for first aid
in schools is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-aid-in-schools

What is adequate and appropriate for first aid depends on the circumstances
in the workplace and as an employer we need to decide what our first aid
needs are.

The minimum first aid provision in the workplace is:

• A suitably stocked first aid box; and
• An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements

It is also important to remember that accidents can happen at any time.

Therefore first aid provision needs to be available at all times when people are
at work.

2. First Aid Training

The school needs to ensure that it has sufficient resources to administer first
aid, teachers are not required to undertake first aid duties however teachers
and other staff in charge of pupils are expected to use their best endeavours
at all times, particularly in emergencies, to secure the welfare of the pupils at
the school in the same way that parents might be expected to act towards
their children.
In general the consequences of taking no action are likely to be more serious
than those of trying to assist in an emergency.

Where persons volunteer for first aid training this should be arranged through
Patricia Barlow (Personnel & Support) tel: 4701

They should attend the 4 day first aid course and the supplementary course
Paediatric first aid to ensure they are provide with training on resuscitation for
all persons.

32
3. Statutory Requirements for reporting accidents

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences

Regulations 1995 some accidents must be reported to the HSE (see accident
reporting and investigations procedure).

A record must be kept of all injuries, disease and dangerous occurrences and
this should be reported back to Westox house staff using the appropriate
form.

The HSE holds the view that an accident must be reported if it relates to:
• any school activity, both on and off the premises;
• the way a school activity has been organised and managed;
• equipment, machinery or substances;
• the design or condition of the premises

First Aid & Medication

First aid boxes are located:

First Aid Room
Care Room

A nominated person is responsible for regularly checking that the contents of

first aid boxes are complete and replenished as necessary. A check should be
made at least termly.

First Aiders:
The school has sufficient numbers of first aiders (includes 4 Initial First Aid at
Work, 13 Paediatric and 8 Emergency First Aid)

A list of first aiders is displayed in the Reception office, and Staff Room.
Early Years Foundation Stage will have a list of Paediatric First Aiders
displayed and available to parents as per EYFS Framework requirements.

The Business Manager will ensure that first aiders have a current certificate
and that new persons are trained should first aiders leave.

Transport to Hospital:
If the first aider or Head Teacher considers it necessary, the injured person
will be sent directly to hospital (normally by ambulance). Parents and/or
guardians will also be informed. No casualty should be allowed to travel to
hospital unaccompanied and an accompanying adult will be designated in
situations where the parents cannot be contacted.

Administration of Medicines
All medication will be administered to pupils in accordance with the DfE
document

33
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/
484418/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf

The only medication kept and administered within school are those prescribed
specifically for a pupil (long term health needs only or 4 times a day
medication) at the request of the parent/guardian and with the consent of the
Head Teacher. Records of administration of medicines will be kept by the
office staff securely in the medicine cabinet which is locked at all times and
controlled by admin staff. No member of staff should administer any
medicines unless a request form has been completed by the parent/guardian.

Where children need to have access to emergency medication, i.e. asthma

inhalers, Adrenaline pens the following has been put in place:
All asthma inhalers are kept in the pupil’s classrooms clearly marked with their
name.

Adrenaline pens are kept within a safe place in the pupil’s classrooms.
(central

Adrenaline pens are kept in the medicine cupboard)

Designated staff have received the appropriate training for administering

medicines.

Health Care Plans

Health care plans are in place for those pupils with complex medical needs
e.g. chronic or on-going medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy,
anaphylaxis etc.) These plans are reviewed annually, and written
precautions/procedures made available to staff.

Staff undergo specific training related to health conditions of pupils and

administration of medicines (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis etc.) by a
health professional as appropriate.

34
Section 8: Fire Safety
Fire Evacuation & Other Emergency Procedures

The Head Teacher is responsible for ensuring the fire risk assessment is
undertaken and implemented. The fire risk assessment is located in the Site
managers office and reviewed on an annual basis.

Smoking
The site is kept as a non-smoking site this also includes the use of all forms
electronic cigarettes. Signage is present at all entrances.

Fire Instructions
These documents are made available to all staff. The Business Manager will
go through the emergency procedures in induction and these are included in
the staff handbook.

An outline of evacuation procedures are made available to Contractors

/Visitors and are posted throughout the site.

Emergency exits, fire alarm call points, assembly points etc. are clearly
identified by safety signs and notices.

Emergency Procedures

Fire and emergency evacuation procedures are detailed below. These

procedures will be reviewed at least annually.

Emergency contact and key holder details are maintained by Cougar

Fire Drills
Fire drills will be undertaken termly, and a record kept in the fire log book.

Fire Fighting
The safe evacuation of persons is an absolute priority. Staff may only attempt
to deal with small fires, if it is safe to do so without putting themselves at risk,
using portable Fire Fighting equipment.

Ensure the alarm is raised BEFORE attempting to tackle a fire.

Staff should be made aware of the type and location of portable Fire Fighting
equipment and receive basic instruction in its correct use.

Details of Service Isolation Points (i.e. gas, water, electricity)

• Gas: KS2 Boiler Room + KS1 Boiler Room
• Water: KS2 Building Boiler Room + KS1 Boiler Room
• Electricity: Internal Cupboard off After school club cupboard near Children’s
Centre (KS2) – Cupboard on main corridor opposite library in KS1 (key code
1969)

35
Details of chemicals and flammable substances on site are kept by the Site
Manager as appropriate, for consultation.

Emergency Procedures

Fire Evacuation

If you find a fire or a fire is reported to you:

Staff discovering a fire or other emergency for which the buildings should be
evacuated should activate the alarm using the nearest available break glass
call point and proceed to the evacuation point.

Fire Fighting
• The safe evacuation of persons is an absolute priority. Staff may only
attempt to deal with small fires, if it is safe to do so without putting
themselves at risk, using portable Fire Fighting equipment.
• Ensure the alarm is raised BEFORE attempting to tackle a fire.

On Hearing the Fire Alarm:

• All staff, pupils, and occupants of the building must respond to alarm
activations. The fire alarm is a continuous ringing sound.
• The Site manager, Head Teacher or their nominee will check the fire panel
and, if safe to do so, go to the zone where the alarm has been activated to
investigate if there is a fire or false alarm.
• Staff will supervise/affect the evacuation of pupils/visitors to the designated
assembly point.
• Staff not with pupils, visitors and contractors must leave the building by the
nearest exit and report directly to a senior member of staff at the assembly
point.

Assembly Points –

Year 5/6 Playground and Year 1/2 Playground

• Pupils should leave in single file when instructed by the teacher in

charge of the class.
• Pupils should leave by the nearest available escape route. The last
person to leave the classroom must close the door.
• Pupils should walk in their subject/class groups and remain with their
teacher at the assembly point.
• If a pupil is not in a classroom when the alarm sounds, he/she must
walk to the assembly point leaving the building by the nearest marked escape
route.

• Fire Marshals will carry out a sweep of the building.

36
A Calm orderly exit is essential Walk quickly – DO NOT RUN or stop to
collect belongings

• On arrival at the assembly area pupils must stand in their class groups while
staff check pupil numbers. The Inventry log will be taken out to the assembly
point by the admin staff. The result of this check must be reported to the
Head Teacher/Senior member of staff as soon as it is completed.

Fire Marshals responsible for sweeping their areas of the school whilst
proceeding to the nearest exit point.

• All Fire Marshals should report to the Head Teacher/Deputy Head Teacher
that corridors/buildings are cleared.
• The Head Teacher and their nominee will liaise with each other to ensure all
children, staff and visitors are accounted for and safe.
• The Sitemanager/s will liaise with the Fire Brigade on their arrival.
• The building must not be re-entered until staff are notified it is safe to do so
by the fire brigade/Head Teacher/ senior member of staff.
• If the building cannot be reoccupied following an evacuation, the school
Emergency Plan procedures will be implemented.

In the event of a bomb threat follow the evacuation procedures as above.

GENERAL EVACUATION FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Mobility Impairment
Those people who require only limited assistance should evacuate the
building using the nearest exit. If they have to move at a slower pace they
should allow other persons to exit the building before them and then continue
their evacuation to a place of safety.

A responsible member of staff will be nominated to escort those who need

assistance from the building.

Visual Disability
People with a visual disability will usually require the assistance of one
person, on stairways the helper should descend first with the person’s hand
on their shoulder, on level surfaces they should take the helper’s arm and
follow them.

Hearing Disability
People with a hearing disability should be escorted out of the building by
staff. In the event of staff with a hearing impairment joining’ then they may
require additional means of being warned in the event of an alarm e.g. pager
that vibrates when alarm is activated, flashing beacon linked to alarm etc.

Fire Policy (Schools)

2017 - w ord (1).docx

37
Section 9: Inspection/Maintenance of Emergency Equipment

Testing of the Fire Alarm System

Fire alarm call points will be tested weekly in rotation by the Site Manager
and a record kept in the fire log book.

Any defects on the system will be reported immediately to the alarm

contractor/electrical engineer.

A fire alarm maintenance contract is in place and the system will be tested
quarterly.

Inspection of Fire Fighting Equipment

An approved competent contractor undertakes an annual maintenance
service of all Fire Fighting equipment. Weekly checks are carried out to
ensure that all Fire Fighting equipment is available for use and operational
and for any evidence of tampering.

Defective equipment or extinguishers that need recharging should be taken

out of service and reported direct to the approved contractor.

Emergency Lighting
These systems will be checked for operation monthly in house by the
Sitemanager and quarterly and annually by an approved competent
contractor.

Green Door Release Boxes

These will be tested regularly by the Sitemanager.

Emergency Red Pull Cords

These will be tested regularly by the Sitemanager.

Test records are located in the school fire log book.

Means of Escape
Daily checks for any obstructions on exit routes are carried out and all final
exit doors are operational and available for use

38
Section 10: Legionnaires Disease
Legionella
The school complies with advice on the potential risks from legionella as
identified in guidance from the HSE.

A legionella water risk assessment of the school has been completed by a

competent contractor.
The Head Teacher is responsible for ensuring that all operational controls are
being carried out and recorded in the legionella control log book.

A contractor will be responsible for the following: This will include:

• Monthly temperature checks
• Sampling & disinfecting of water tanks
• Cleaning of showerheads

The Site Manager will:

• Identify and carry out flushing of rarely used outlets on a regular basis, and
during school holiday periods.

Legionella Control
Procedure.docx

39
Section 11: Lone Working
Lone working can be defined as a wide variety of situations including:
• Travelling alone -- on foot, by car or public transport
• Peripatetic (mobile) working -- visiting people in their homes, visiting
business premises, attending meetings or even work on the highway
• Use of interview rooms -- effectively, working alone.
• Arriving at or leaving premises -- the first person in/last out is in effect
working alone
• Out of hour’s activities -- cleaning, maintenance, etc.
Lone working is undesirable but in some circumstances it cannot reasonably
be avoided.
Suitable risk assessments of working practices will be carried out to determine
the level of risk for each member of staff lone working.
Definition of Lone Working
Where staff are engaged in work (either outdoors or indoors) where there are
no other people who could reasonably be expected to come to their
immediate aid in the event of an incident or emergency.
It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher to ensure members of staff are
aware of the risks of Lone Working.
Hazards identified will be evaluated by the Head Teacher for the likelihood of
the hazard causing harm. Measures will be introduced if the assessment
shows that existing precautions are inadequate to eliminate or adequately
control the hazard. The risk assessment will be subject to review to ensure it
is relevant and current to the workings of the school.
Controls
Staff should seek the permission of the Head Teacher to work alone in the
building outside of normal school hours.
The experience and training of all staff and the activities to be undertaken will
be taken into consideration before allowing lone working. Lone workers must
be considered capable of responding correctly in an emergency situation.
Whenever possible it is recommended that staff work with a colleague. Good
practice would be to liaise with other staff during school holidays, but in the
absence of doing so, the member of staff should ensure a family member is
aware that they will be working alone on the school premises.
At weekends and during school holidays, it is the staff member’s personal
responsibility to ensure someone is aware. If exceptions to this are identified
then the policy will be reviewed. The staff attendance log in must be
maintained.

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Staff should not enter the school premises if there are signs of intruders but
are advised to immediately call the police. Staff should lock the outer doors
when lone working and ensure that areas of the school not in use are kept
secure. Staff must not place themselves in danger by challenging intruders or
vandals but should call the police for assistance.
Staff should not work alone if they have medical conditions that might cause
incapacity or unconsciousness.
All lone working staff should establish their own checking in and out system
with either family, friends or work colleagues. It is advised that lone workers
provide a relative or friend with a telephone contact number (Head Teacher’s
or SLT’s mobile phone numbers) to call if the lone worker fails to return home
at the expected time.
It is not normally practicable for the Head Teacher to periodically visit and
visually monitor people working alone.
Staff must ensure they understand the risks associated with lone working and
to minimise these risks. All lone workers, in an otherwise unoccupied building,
should follow the school’s ‘Fire and Emergency Procedures. Staff have a
responsibility for making themselves familiar with and following the school’s
safety procedures and location of safety equipment.
Contractors should have access to their own first aid kit suitable for treating
minor injuries. If staff rely on mobile phones, they must ensure that their
network has good reception within school. Although phones can give extra
reassurance, they do not provide complete protection and staff should still be
alert for their own personal safety at all times.
In the situation where two or more people are working in isolated areas of an
otherwise unoccupied building, personnel should keep each other informed
about their movements.
Lone workers should not undertake activities that involve the handling of
money, working at height, any task that has been identified as medium or high
risk or which are potentially hazardous given their own level of experience and
the nature of the task.
All school personnel are reminded about the importance of maintaining a
healthy work/life balance.
It is the responsibility of all school personnel and contractors to adhere to the
lone working procedures and to report any difficulties, failure of equipment or
general concerns on health and safety to the Head Teacher. If members of
staff fail to follow procedures designed to protect their safety, this could result
in a disciplinary matter as they will have contributed to their injury and any
compensation claims for damages or unfair dismissal may be reduced
accordingly.

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The School respects the right of the employee, under the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974, to refuse to carry out work where there is a serious and
imminent risk of danger. They also can advise others to do the same without
being dismissed as result. Staff should be proactive in bringing to the attention
of the Head Teacher, any aspect of work related risks.
The Head Teacher will regularly monitor the implementation of these
procedures.
Following any incident an investigation will be carried out and its findings used
to inform change to procedures and working practices.

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Section 12: Offsite Educational Visits

Introduction
Educational visits are activities arranged by or on behalf of the school, and
which take place outside the school grounds. The Governors and teaching
staff believe that offsite activities can supplement and enrich the curriculum of
the school by providing experiences which would otherwise be impossible. All
off-site activities must serve an educational purpose, enhancing and enriching
our children’s learning experiences.

In this policy we seek to establish a clear and coherent structure for the
planning and evaluation of our off-site visits, and to ensure that any risks are
managed and kept to a minimum, for the safety and health of all pupils at all
times. Within these limits we seek to make our visits available to all pupils,
and wherever possible to make them accessible to those with disabilities. The
visits usually take place within the school day.

Aims
The aim of our off-site visits is to:
• Enhance curricular and recreational opportunities for our children.
• Provide a wider range of experiences for our pupils than could be provided
on the school site alone.
• Promote the independence of our pupils as learners to enable them to grow
and to develop in new learning environments.
• Include all Years in short excursions and longer residential visits.

The visits are carefully planned to enable our children to progress in skills and
knowledge of the curriculum and of life skills.

Residential Activities
All Pupils will have the opportunity to take part in residential visits – the scope
and range of trips we offer will increase.

How Visits May Be Authorised

The Head Teacher will appoint a group leader to be responsible for running
the activity. This will normally be a teacher employed at the school.
The school’s Educational Visits Co-ordinator will be involved in the planning
and management of off-site visits.

S/he will:
• Ensure that risk assessments are completed
• Support the Head Teacher and Governing Body in their decisions on
approval
• Organise related staff training
• Verify that all accompanying adults, including private car drivers, have
had satisfactory security checks, and use recommended coach companies.

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• Make sure that all necessary permissions and medical forms are
obtained.
• Keep records of visits, and ensure there are regular generic
assessments of the risks (for example road-crossing) where there are frequent
visits to local venues (for example a swimming facility)
• Appropriate child car seats must be used if a private car is being used
on a regular basis and not in an emergency situation.
• Staff arranging or otherwise involved in off-site activities must familiarise
themselves with the regulations, advice and procedures published by National
Guidance. All offsite activities must take place in accordance with the guidance
given.

• Where staff are proposing to arrange an off-site activity, they must seek
and obtain the approval of the Head Teacher before any commitment is made
on behalf of the school. A comprehensive visit plan should be provided by the
member of staff to allow for an informed decision to be made.

• EVOLVE is used at the school and is an on-line educational off-site visits

system. All trips are implemented in to the EVOLVE system by the Group
Leader.

• The EVC is responsible for checking all the documentation has been
attached and once satisfied, will approve and send to the Head Teacher for
final approval.

• All high risk and residential visits are sent to the Local Authority for
approval.

• It is our policy that all children should be able to participate in educational

visits. Where a child with a disability is eligible for a trip, we will make every
effort to ensure that s/he is included. We may seek guidance from parents to
help us adapt our programme, and we will make any reasonable adjustments
to our itinerary to include a child with disabilities. Any such adjustments will be
included in the risk assessment.

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Risk Assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment is carried out by the group leader before
the proposed visit. It will assess the risks which might be encountered on the
visit and will indicate measures to prevent or reduce them. The risk
assessment should be based on the following considerations:
• What are the hazards?
• Who might be affected by them?
• What safety measures are needed to reduce risks to an acceptable
level?
• Can the group leader put the safety measures in place?
• What steps will be taken in an emergency?

Staff planning an off-site activity should make a preliminary visit to the venue,
in order to carry out an on-site risk assessment.

It is important to take into account the probable weather conditions at the time
of year proposed for the trip, and the party leader should take careful account
of the facilities available, with due regard to the proposed size of the group.
They should also assess the site’s suitability with regard to the age and any
particular needs of the pupils. They will also consider the venue’s own
approach to security and to health and safety. Venues providing instructor-led
activities will have their own risk assessments for particular sessions, and
these assessments may be adopted if it is impractical for the group leader to
experience the activity beforehand, or if s/he lacks the skills required to make
informed judgements about the risks it may involve.

The Head Teacher/Governing Body will not give its approval for the visit
unless it is satisfied with the venue, its instructors and their risk assessment
procedures. It is important to assess and record any health, safety or security
issues that are identified during the preliminary visit. Any such issues will be
taken into account when the final decision is taken on whether the visit should
proceed, and the visit plan must state both the extent of any risks involved,
and the measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate them. The cost of
these preliminary visits will be borne by the school and should be built into the
overall financial arrangements for the visit itself.

An activity should normally have sufficient adults taking part to provide the
following minimum ratios:
• 1 adult to 6 pupils in Years 1 to 3;
• 1 adult to between 10 and 15 pupils in Years 4 to 6;

Without special safeguards or control measures, these ratios will not be

adequate to meet the needs of most residential or more complex visits.

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The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework no longer
sets out different requirements for minimum ratios during outings from those
required on site.

As with other age groups, ratios during outings should be determined by risk
assessment, which should be reviewed before each outing. The appropriate
ratio on an outing is always likely to be lower than the legal minimum that
applies otherwise (for children aged three and over in early year’s settings
either 1:8 or 1:13 and 1:30 in infant school reception classes in maintained
schools). It is not unusual for a ratio of 1:1 to be necessary.

A useful framework for assessing requirements for ratios and effective

supervision is SAGED:
• Staffing requirements – Trained? Experienced? Competent? Ratios?
• Activity characteristics – Specialist? Insurance Issues? Licensable?
• Group characteristics – Prior Experience? Ability? Behaviour? Special and
Medical Needs?
• Environmental conditions – Like Last Time? Impact of Weather? Water
Levels?
• Distance from support mechanisms in place at the home base –
Transport? Residential?

Any trip will require a minimum of two adults. However, these are minimum
requirements, and may not provide adequate supervision in all cases.

A risk assessment must also cover transport to and from the venue.

A copy of the completed risk assessment will be given to the Head Teacher,
the Governing Body (where applicable), and the educational visits co-
ordinator, and all adults supervising the trip.

Transport
The costing of off-site activities should include any of the following that apply:
• Transport
• Entrance fees
• Insurance
• Provision of any special resources or equipment
• Costs related to adult helpers
• Any refreshments the school has opted to pay for

Transport arrangements will allow a seat for each member of the party. It is
our policy only to use coaches fitted with seat or lap belts, and to insist that
they be worn by all those participating in the visit.

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Legislation on car seats must be taken into consideration when using cars,
private hire vehicles etc. Booster seats purchased prior to February 2017
(without back supports) can still be used and there is no requirement to
replace these unless general wear and tear or they have been involved in an
accident.

The school makes a charge to parents if their children are transported by

means of transport provided by the school. The charge covers the expenses
of the journey only; we do not make any profit from this.

Communication with Parents

The parents of children taking part in an off-site activity should be provided
with all appropriate information about the intended visit. Parents must give
their permission in writing before a child can be involved in any off-site
activities.

Funding for off-site activities is provided mainly by parental contributions. This

must be made clear to parents in all correspondence about an educational
visit at the planning stage.

For local visits parents will sign an annual permission form to cover all short
visits within the local community throughout the academic year. Visits which
are outside the local community (including residential) parents will be required
to provide specific consent for these activities.

No pupil may be excluded from an activity because of the unwillingness or

inability of the parent to make a contribution. The timetable for the payment
of contributions should allow for the Head Teacher making a decision about
the financial viability of the activity in reasonable time.

Further Health and Safety Considerations

All adults accompanying a party must be made aware, by the Group Leader,
of the emergency procedures which will apply. Each adult should be provided
with an emergency telephone number. This will normally be the school
number, but where an activity extends beyond the normal school day the
home telephone number of a designated emergency contact should be
provided.

Before a group leaves school, the school office should be provided with a list
of everyone, children and adults, travelling with the group, together with a
programme and timetable for the activity. The safety of the group, and
especially the children, is of paramount importance.

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During the activity the party leader must take whatever steps are necessary to
ensure that safety. This involves taking note of any information provided by
medical questionnaire returns and ensuring that children are both safe and
well looked after at all times.

Prior to an activity, if it is felt that the behaviour of an individual pupil is likely

to compromise the safety of others or the good name of the school, the party
leader should discuss with the Head Teacher the possibility of excluding that
pupil from the activity.

Visit Plan
The visit plan for intended educational visits must include the following:
• Risk assessment
• Report on preliminary visit
• Applications for approval of visit
• General information
• Names, ages, contact details, permission forms, medical records and other
relevant details of all those going on the visit
• Travel schedule
• Accommodation plan (if applicable)
• Full plan of activities
• Fire precautions and evacuation procedures
• Intended arrangements for supervision
• Insurance arrangements for all members of the group
• Emergency contacts and procedures
• General communications information
• Guidance for party leaders
• Guidance for the emergency contact and Head Teacher
• Medical questionnaire returns
• First-aid boxes

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Section 13: General Risk Assessments
The school risk assessments (for all activities, teaching and non-teaching and
premises) will be co-ordinated by school staff. The risk assessments are held
electronically and in a hard copy format which will be kept in the main office.

Risk assessments will be reviewed on an annual basis or when the work

activity changes, whichever is the sooner. Staff are made aware of any
changes to risk assessments relating to their work.

Individual Risk Assessments Specific risk assessments relating to individuals,

e.g. staff member or young person/pupil are held on that person’s file and will
be undertaken by the relevant staff. It is the responsibility of staff to inform
the Head Teacher of any medical condition (including pregnancy) which may
impact upon their work. Such risk assessments will be reviewed on a regular
basis.

Curriculum Activities Risk assessments for curriculum activities will be carried

out by a relevant staff member using the relevant codes of practice and
model risk assessments developed by national bodies. The school will
subscribe to CLEAPSS as and when required for use in science and DT.

CLEAPSS publications1 can be used as sources of model risk assessment.

The deputy Headteacher holds the CLEAPSS login.

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Section 14: Security
Safety of our pupils, staff and visitors to the school is of paramount concern to
our whole school community. The Governors and Head Teacher have
endeavoured to make the school as safe as possible.
Entry to School for Visitors/Staff
The Reception area is clearly marked and directs the visitors to the front
entrance of the school. Visitors press the intercom button and wait for the
flashing light which indicates the door release has been activated by the office
staff. Staff are able to see the visitors via a video link before they open the
doors
Visitors are able to wait in the foyer but prevented from going further into the
school by a keycard system on the doors. These doors must not be
propped open.
Visitors who are admitted into the school are asked to sign in and given a
visitor’s sticker and ID must be shown and checked. The school diary is used
to inform the staff of planned visitors.
Children are reminded in assembly to tell their teacher if they see an unknown
person without an ID badge wandering around the school premises.
Smoking
The site is kept as a non-smoking site this also includes the use of all forms of
electronic cigarettes. Signage is placed at all entrances.
Entry to School for Children and Children Accompanied by Parents
Entry to the KS1 and KS2 playgrounds, are through the appropriate gate
which are unlocked by the Caretaker 20 minutes before the start of the
morning session. These gates are locked at 9:00am each morning and
unlocked at 3.05pm for collection of children at home time. Gates are locked
at the end of the day at 3:45pm.
Supervision of Children
All pupils should not arrive before 8.45am unless they are attending breakfast
club, at which point the duty member of staff supervises the relevant entry
doors (Community entrance).
Pupil Supervision
The Head Teacher or in their absence a nominated senior person, remains on
the premises until the last child is collected.
Security of the school building will be reviewed in the sites and buildings
committee meetings, and matters may be referred to the Governors for
consideration as necessary.
Alarm System

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The school alarm is always set each day.
Care of ICT Equipment
As far as possible all equipment is secured. Expensive portable equipment is
locked away daily in the trolleys. All other computers remain in classrooms.
Security of Data
The Governors recognise their responsibility to ensure that measures are
taken to ensure no breach of security.
“Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against
unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against loss or
destruction of, or damage to, personal data.”
Curriculum Networked Computers:
• Accessed by personal passwords
• Password gives staff different access levels
• SLT only has access to limited management files
Office Computers:
• Accessed only via individual passwords for the Head Teacher and Business
Manager.
• Financial files are accessed via further password
• Access to the school office is prohibited except for staff requiring access for
a specific purpose.
Other Data Protection Issues:
• Printed material is disposed of by shredding and confidential bags.
• Parents are informed of data kept in school and its use through the Fair
Processing Notice
• Personal data is not disclosed over the telephone
• Disaster recovery plan in place
• School anti-virus software is updated regularly.

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Section 15: Sun Protection
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of
cases is rising at an alarming rate. The good news is that the majority of these
cases could be prevented. Most skin cancers are caused by UV radiation from
the sun. If we protect ourselves from the sun then we can reduce our risk.
This is particularly important for children and young people whose skin is
more delicate and easily damaged. Sunburn in childhood can double the risk
of skin cancer. The school has used the guidance promoted through Cancer
Research and particularly the Sun-Smart Campaign in order to draw up this
policy.
What is the Sun-Smart Campaign?
Sun-Smart is the national skin cancer prevention campaign run by Cancer
Research UK. The Sun-Smart schools initiative encourages nurseries and
pre-schools to develop and adopt sun protection policies. They are part of a
broader campaign communicating effective skin cancer prevention messages
to the general public.
The five key Sun-Smart skin cancer prevention messages are:
• Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
• Make sure you never burn
• Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
• Remember children burn more easily
• Use factor 15+ sunscreen
At school we want staff and pupils to enjoy the sun safely. We shall work with
staff, pupils and parents to achieve this through:
Education:
• All pupils will have at least one sun awareness lesson per year.
• We will talk about how to be sun smart in assemblies at the start of the
summer term.
• Parents and guardians will be sent a letter explaining what the school is
doing about sun protection and how they can help at the beginning of the
summer term.
Clothing:
• We encourage parents to provide sun hats to protect the children whilst
outside.
Sunscreen:
• Children will be asked in Reception, KS1 and KS2 to administer their own.

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• Nursery parents are asked to put sun screen on their child before the start of
a session.
• Sunscreen use will be encouraged on school trips.
• If required staff would apply sunscreen where required.

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Section 16: Vehicles on Site
Vehicular access to the school is restricted to school staff and visitors only
and not for general use by parents/guardians when bringing children to school
or collecting them (unless attending before and after school clubs)
Lawnswood Road: The gates to the visitor carpark are kept open during the
day. The gate off the visitor carpark to the staff carpark is locked and opened
electronically when needed
Seaton Place: The gates are left open during the day. All gates leading to
this entrance are padlocked. There are speed bumps and 5mph signs.
The access from the road shall be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
The access gate for pedestrians is separate to the main vehicle access point.
If an event is being held outside of normal school activities, the pedestrian
gate will always remain open.
Deliveries
Where possible deliveries should be made between 9am – 2pm or before
children start the school day. Any large deliveries will be made to Lawnswood
Rd, Community entrance.

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Section 17: Violence and aggression
The school will not tolerate violent behaviour from parents, visitors or others
who enter the school.
The school has a responsibility to protect, so far as is reasonably practicable,
the safety of all employees who work for the school.
Prevention:
To reduce the risk of violence staff should consider the following guidance:
• Consider the working environment e.g. exits, space available
• Do not meet parents when colleagues are not in the near vicinity
• There may be individuals who have a reputation for aggression. This
information should be shared confidentially within the school. Consult with
senior leadership team if this is the case.
• Always have another member of staff present.
• If there is a confrontation try to calm the situation. Staff should be aware of
their stance and tone of voice etc.
Procedure to Follow:
• Staff remain calm and non- confrontational.
• Staff to call on a colleague to try to help calm the situation.
• If the situation worsens staff must ask the parent/carer to leave the building
to calm down.
• If they refuse to leave, staff remind that it is a school and as such they
cannot allow the children or other staff to witness any aggressive behaviour.
• If they do not leave & you feel the situation warrants it, ask another member
of staff who is away from the situation to call the police, 999.
• The incident will be recorded; as soon as possible and within 24 hours, and
an investigation will follow to decide on the course of action to take.

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Section 18: Volunteers in School
Introduction
We define a volunteer as: any adult who agrees to undertake, without pay,
designated tasks which support the work of the school. This can include
working alongside teaching and teaching support staff in the classroom or
working in a support capacity within another area of school to. A volunteer
should not be viewed as a substitute for a paid member of staff, but an
additional supplement to school’s resources.
We value volunteers and the contribution that they make to the sustained
success of the School. We hope that the association will be a mutually
beneficial partnership between the school and the volunteer; that the benefits
to be gained by the school in terms of community participation will be mirrored
by the development gained by the volunteer from their experiences in school.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All adults who volunteer for working at our school will require an Enhanced
Disclosure & Barring Check prior to starting their placement in school. This
must be confirmed with the Head Teacher and recorded on the central record
by the Business Manager.
Providers must understand the legal obligations upon the Governors and
Head Teacher are the ones who decide on who may come into the school as
speakers and service providers.
There are some exceptions:
Law enforcement officers in certain circumstances;
HM Chief Inspector of Schools (Section 4 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of the
Education Act 2005);
LA Authority
Standards and Framework Act 1998.
It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that its child protection policy is
adhered to
at all times.
Organisation
• Volunteers will not be asked to undertake certain duties:
• Those which would normally fall within a teacher’s responsibility under loco
parentis
• Covering for staff absence within the classroom;

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• Unsupervised 1:1 work with children;
• Those which would normally be undertaken by a contractor engaged by
school or the
Local Authority (LA);
• Those requiring full financial or budgetary responsibilities;
• Any administrative tasks involving highly confidential or sensitive
information.
Volunteers will be allocated a supervising member of the school’s staff,
although they may be working with other staff on a day-to-day basis. The line
manager will be responsible for induction of the volunteer and will be the point
of contact for any queries or problems.
The deployment of volunteers should not involve any substantial addition to
the workload of staff, however, it is hoped that every effort will be made to
ensure that the volunteer is adequately inducted and is given every assistance
to perform the duties required of them.
Volunteers will be given a schedule of the tasks and scope of the role that is
expected of them, these to be agreed with the supervising person in view of
any skills, experience, and training and development needs of the volunteer
and organisational needs.
A Volunteer Registration Form should be completed for, and signed by, all
official volunteers in school. It should be noted that volunteers’ work in school
is, of necessity, of a voluntary nature and may be terminated at any time by
the volunteer or the school.
School Information and Regulations
Volunteers will be provided with a handbook detailing relevant information.
Any queries for information not covered in this should be addressed initially to
the supervising person.
Particular attention is drawn to health and safety issues. The same legislation
and responsibilities on health and safety applies to volunteers as paid staff
within the school.
The school holds Employers’ Liability and Public Liability Insurance and this
insurance covers volunteers in school.
Induction and Training
Volunteers who work in school will be given an induction process which aims
to enable them to become familiar with the school, staff and their roles, how
their role fits into this, principles and procedures unique to the school and an
outline of our expectations of the volunteer’s role and tasks involved. Health
and Safety Induction and safeguarding training will take place on the first day
in school, if not before.

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If the volunteer is undertaking formal training (e.g. NVQ or other work-based
qualification), the school will endeavour to support this by allowing
opportunities and practical advice for them. If training is a requirement of the
expected role within school, such opportunities should be provided for the
volunteer.
Complaints and Grievances
It is acknowledged that problems and conflicts could arise when the person is
a volunteer as much as for a paid member of staff. Initial issues should be
raised with the supervising person and it is to be hoped that the issues may
be resolved through these channels. In the event that this is not possible, the
Head Teacher will investigate the matter with a view to resolution. Failure to
resolve at this level will necessitate Governing Body involvement.

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Section 19: Stress/Wellbeing
The school are committed to promoting high levels of health and wellbeing
and recognise the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors
through risk assessment, in line with the HSE management standards. The
school will use the HSE Stress Indicator tool to identify any issues.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/downloads.htm
Systems are in place within the school for responding to individual concerns
and monitoring staff workloads.
• Regular Appraisals
• Midterm and end of year reviews
• Open door policy of Head Teacher and SLT
• Mentoring of new staff.
• Regular staff meeting
• Monday briefings

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Section 20: Work at Height
Working at height can present a significant risk. Where such activities cannot
be avoided a risk assessment will be conducted to ensure such risks are
adequately controlled. A copy of this assessment will be provided to
employees authorised to workat height.
When working at height (including accessing storage or putting up displays)
appropriate stepladders or kick stools are to be used.
Staff must not climb onto chairs etc.
The school’s nominated person responsible for work at height is the
sitemanger.
The nominated person shall ensure:
• All work at height is properly planned and organised.
• The use of access equipment is restricted to authorised users.
• All those involved in work at height are trained and competent to do so.
• The risks from working at height are assessed and appropriate equipment
selected.
• A register of access equipment is maintained and all equipment is regularly
inspected and maintained.
• Any risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled.
• Pupils will not be permitted to use ladders/stepladders.
• Contractors will not be permitted to use any of the school’s work
equipment.

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Section 21: Work Experience
The school retains a duty of care for all students undertaking work experience
and must ensure the placement is appropriate, therefore:
• All students are briefed before working in the school regarding school
arrangements and health and safety responsibilities.
• Where work placements form part of the vocational qualification offered by a
FE college then the college is responsible for ensuring equivalent placement
checks are conducted.
• Every student will receive a verbal job description highlighting tasks to be
undertaken and any necessary health and safety information as detailed in
the contract.
• Arrangements will be in place for the organisers to visit/monitor students
during the placement.
• Emergency contact arrangements are in place (including out of school hours
provision) in order that a member of school staff can contact students’
parents/guardians should an incident occur.
• All incidents involving students on work placement activities will be reported
to the placement organiser at the earliest possible opportunity.

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Section 22: Flammable & Hazardous Substances

Every attempt will be made to avoid, or choose the least harmful of,
substances which fall under the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 2002” (the COSHH Regulations).

The school’s nominated person responsible for substances hazardous to

health will be the Sitemanager.

They shall ensure:

• An inventory of all hazardous substances used on site is compiled and
regularly reviewed.
• Material safety data sheets are obtained from the relevant supplier for all
such materials.
• Risk assessments are conducted for the use of hazardous substances
• All chemicals are appropriately and securely stored out of the reach of
children.
• All chemicals are kept in their original packaging and labelled (no decanting
into unmarked containers.)
• Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) has been identified and
available for use.

PPE is to be provided free of charge where the need is identified as part of

the risk assessment.

Guidelines:
• Teachers should not keep their own small stocks of hazardous substances
e.g.cleaning solutions. Staff room cleaning materials should be kept securely
in the appropriate staffroom cupboard.
• Chemicals and cleaning chemicals should ideally be stored in their own
container and clearly labelled with warnings showing clearly on the container.
• Never use food or drink containers to store chemicals.
• Keep only small quantities of the chemicals.
• Any spillages should be cleaned up at once.
• Teach pupils to recognise the red and black warning symbols (orange for
older products), which they may come across on household containers, such
as bleach, disinfectants, lavatory cleaners, oven cleaners, paint stripper’s etc.,
and warn of the dangers.
• Ensure protective clothing is available when using chemicals.
• COSHH assessments must have been carried out before using chemicals
and the user informed of the dangers and control measures to be in place for
that chemical.

There should also be suitable first aid arrangements available for treating
chemical splashes.

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Section 23: Health and Safety Information & Training Consultation

The school’s People and Places committee meet termly to discuss health,
safety and welfare issues affecting staff, pupils or visitors. Action points from
meetings are brought forward for review by the school management to the full
Governing Body.

The Health and Safety Law poster is displayed in KS2 staff room.

Dudley LA provides competent health and safety advice for our school.

Health and Safety Training

Health and safety induction training will be provided and documented for all
new employees by the Business Manager or a nominated person.

The Business Manager or CPD lead will be responsible for ensuring that all
staff are provided with adequate information, instruction and training and
identifying the health and safety training needs of staff.

All employees will be provided with:

• Induction training in the requirements of this policy.
• Update training in response to any significant change.
• Training in specific skills needed for certain activities, (e.g. use of hazardous
substances, work at height etc.)
• Refresher training where required.

Training records are held by the CPD lead or Business Manager will be
responsible for co-ordinating health and safety training needs and for
including details in the training and development plan along with the Head
Teacher. This includes a system for ensuring that refresher training (for
example in first aid) is undertaken within the prescribed time limits. The Head
Teacher will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of training
received. Each member of staff is also responsible for drawing the Head
Teacher’s attention to their own personal needs for training and for not
undertaking duties unless they are confident that they have the necessary
competence.

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Section 24: Safety at the Swimming Pool

Current good practice presented in both Statutory and Non Statutory guidance
for the National Curriculum and teaching of Physical Education indicates that
pupils should share in the assessment and management of the risks
associated with swimming activities. This is an essential part of the learning
process as well as making an effective contribution to safety management.

All staff should be aware of the Pool Safety Operating Procedures, which must
be implemented and in addition should take note of the following guidance in
managing pupils:

1. Goggles should only be worn in exceptional circumstances when

chemicals in the water may adversely affect pupil’s eyes. Any goggles
used must be made of unbreakable plastic or rubber. Pupils should be
taught to remove them by slipping them off their head, rather than by
stretching the retaining band. Their use should be supervised as misuse or
an accidental blow can cause damage to the eye. A note from the parent is
required.

2. Pupils should wear appropriate swimwear:

• Boys should wear swimming trunks or standard short swimming
shorts designed specifically for swimming.
• Girls should wear a one-piece swimming costume.
• In all cases excessively long and/or baggy fashion items of
swimming clothing, which may have a place on holiday, are not
acceptable in school swimming lessons where they impede
progress and decrease buoyancy. Cultural and religious
requirements may require special consideration by both the school
and the swimming pool management.
• An increasing range of purpose made lycra type swimwear for both
boys and girls is now available and is often used by competitive
swimmers. School and swimming pool staff will need to make a
judgement on its suitability. The intention of providing guidelines is
to ensure clothing that impedes neither movement nor buoyancy
while preserving modesty.

3. Children must not chew during swimming lessons. In addition to pool

hygiene considerations there is a real risk of choking.

4. Children who do not feel well, especially those with any stomach upsets
should not enter the water.

5. Children who have eaten a large meal should not go into the water
immediately after that meal.

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6. The wearing of jewellery during swimming and diving activities is
hazardous and will not be allowed.

7. School staff and instructors must be fully aware of any child with any
special medical, physical or psychological condition.

8. Only children who are fit to participate in the lesson should attend the
swimming pool.

9. Verrucas are not to be regarded as ‘open or infected sores’.

10. Pupils with epilepsy require careful observation, as shimmering water or

flickering light may trigger a seizure. It is good practice to establish a
buddy system of observation or, in severe cases, to have a responsible
adult in the water.

11. Pupils and staff should adhere to any local pool safety regulations.

12. Swimming instructors and schoolteachers should be aware of the relevant

sections of the Pool Safety Operating Procedures for the pool.

13. If the fire alarm sounds during a swimming lesson pool staff have
responsibility for clearing the pool and buildings. It is the responsibility of
school staff to supervise the pupils and check the register once clear of the
building. Attention needs to be paid to ensuring pupils do not suffer from
cold if kept out of the pool for a prolonged period.

14. School staff are encouraged to raise any concerns with instructors or
alternatively the duty officer on site.

Code of Conduct for pupils attending Swimming Lessons

These rules are designed to keep you and your belongings safe and to ensure
high standards of Health, safety and hygiene at the pool.

1. Make sure you are clean before going swimming.

2. When getting changed leave your clothes in a neat pile, with your towel on
top ready to use when you come out of the pool. Only leave shoes on the
floor.

3. Always go to the toilet and through the shower before going on to the
poolside, to keep the water in the pool as clean as possible.

4. Make sure your hair is tied back if it is long to stop it from getting in the
way in the water.

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5. No jewellery should be taken to the swimming pool.

6. Goggles should only be worn in exceptional circumstances where the

effects of water may hurt your eyes. If you are allowed to wear goggles
they should be made of unbreakable plastic or rubber.

7. Never run on the poolside as it is slippery and you may fall over.

8. When the whistle is blown in the swimming pool, you should ‘stop, look
and listen’

9. Always listen carefully to the adults and follow their instructions to stay
safe. Do not go in to the water unsupervised even if you can swim well.

10. Never leave the poolside without permission.

11. Always make sure there are other friends with you in the toilet, shower and
changing rooms.

12. Never wait around in the public changing area by yourself.

13. Leave all areas of the swimming baths, as you would like to find them.

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Section 25: Moving and handling
Generic risk assessments for regular manual handling operations are
undertaken and staff provided with information on safe moving and handling
techniques.
Staff should ensure they are not lifting heavy items unless they have received
training and/or equipment in order to do so safely. All manual handling
activities which present a significant risk to the health and safety of staff will
be reported to the Sitemanager and where such activities cannot be avoided,
a risk assessment will be conducted to ensure such risks are adequately
controlled. A copy of this assessment will be provided to employees who must
follow the instruction given when carrying out the task.
Moving and Handling
All staff who move and handle pupils have received appropriate training (both
in general moving and handling people techniques and specific training on
any lifting equipment, hoists, slings etc. they are required to use.)
All moving and handling of pupils has been risk assessed and recorded by a
competent member of staff.
Equipment for moving and handling people is subject to inspection on a 6
monthly basis by a competent contractor.

Manual Handling Manual Handling Manual Handling

Assessment Record Form.doc
Filter Assessment.doc
Form and Guidance.doc

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Section 26: Premises & Work Equipment Statutory Inspections
Regular inspection and testing of school equipment is conducted by
appropriate contractors according to timescales specified by
regulations/guidance available. Records of such monitoring will be kept in the
statutory inspection file.
All staff are required to report any problems found with plant/equipment via
recognised system. Defective equipment will be clearly marked and taken out
of service by storing in a secure location pending repair/disposal.
Curriculum Areas
Curriculum co-ordinators are responsible for reporting maintenance
requirements for equipment in their areas to the Head Teacher.
Gas Safety
All gas appliances will be inspected and tested on an annual basis by a ‘Gas
Safe’ registered contractor.
Electrical Safety
All staff should monitor the condition of plugs, cables and electrical equipment
and conduct a quick visual inspection prior to use. All portable items of
electrical equipment will be subject to PAT (portable appliance testing) as
required and carried out by the Sitemanager or contractor as required.
Personal items of equipment (electrical or mechanical) should not be brought
into the school without prior authorisation and will be subjected to the same
tests as school equipment.
Major fixed wiring circuits will be checked at least once every five years.
Internal & External Play Equipment
All play equipment will only be used when supervised. Equipment will be
checked daily or before use for any apparent defects. The P.E. equipment will
be inspected on an annual basis by an approved inspector of P.E. A visual
inspection of fixed outdoor play equipment will be carried out by the
Sitemanager, an annual inspection by an Annual Inspector of Play (RPII)
Smoking
The site is kept as a non-smoking site this also includes the use of all forms
electronic cigarettes.
Air Conditioning Units (if applicable)
All Air Conditioning Units will be inspected and tested by an approved
contractor following guidance from the manufacturer/supplier.

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Section 27: New and expectation mothers
Introduction

Pregnancy should not be regarded as ill health. It is part of everyday life and
its health and safety implications can be adequately addressed by normal
health and safety management procedures.

Many women work while they are pregnant and may return to work while they
are still breastfeeding. Some hazards in the workplace may affect the health
and safety of new and expectant mothers and of their child(ren). Therefore,
working conditions normally considered acceptable may no longer be so during
pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

In most cases pregnancy usually goes undetected for the first 4-6 weeks. It is
important for employers to identify hazards and risks for all female employees
of childbearing age. They should also take into account that some hazards can
present more of a risk at different stages of the pregnancy.

The law requires employers to assess risks to their employees, including new
and expectant mothers, and to do what is reasonably practicable to control
those risks. Controlling common workplace risks appropriately will reduce the
need for special action for new and expectant mothers.

Managers are responsible for ensuring an assessment is carried out and for
reviewing it once they have been informed that a member of staff is pregnant.
Managers must ensure that hazards that could pose a risk are identified and
take appropriate action to remove or reduce the risk.

This guidance provides information on the likely risks to new and expectant
mothers, and gives advice on what needs to be done to comply with the law.
Further assistance should be sought from your Directorate Safety Officer or
Corporate Safety.

For further guidance on managing new and expectant mothers refer to the
Corporate Maternity and Parental Leave Policy.

New and Expectant New and Expectant

Mothers Checklist.doc
Mothers at Work - Guidance.doc

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