HFNIS School Safety Policy

8/6/2019 HFNIS School Safety Policy

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HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOLSafety Policy

1. Introduction

2. Statement of Intent

3. Employees Responsibilities

4. Organisation

5. Arrangements

6. Appendices

7. Policies

Every member of staff and Governors are initially issued with a copyof the Schools Safety Policy; in addition a file is kept in the SchoolOffice of other documentation relating to Health and Safety issuesand further information is available on the NCC Web Site. Anyupdates to the policy will be notified to staff via the Red Safety Alerts.


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HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOL

SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY

1. Introduction

1.1 Every employer has a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 toprepare a written SAFETY POLICY. This declares the overall intention of theemployer to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees whilst atwork and is set out in Section 2 of the policy.

1.2 The ORGANISATION Section identifies those responsible within the workplacefor co-ordinating, carrying out and reporting on the implementation of the SafetyPolicy and is set out in Section 4 of the policy.

1.3 The means by which the Organisation puts the Safety Policy in practice is

detailed in the ARRANGEMENTS Section which is set out in Section 5 of thepolicy. This numbered Section gives a brief summary of the individual contentof each part of this Policy.

1.4 This policy is produced by the Governing Body and reviewed bi-annually.

2. Statement of Intent

2.1 The prime aim of the Authority regarding Health and Safety is to ensure that allstaff and pupils in school have a working and learning environment which issafe and without risk to health.

2.2 Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School Governing Body recognises andaccepts its responsibilities regarding the health, safety and welfare of its staffand pupils and all other persons who may visit its premises or be affected by itsactivities.

2.3 The Headteacher is responsible for providing, maintaining and bringing to theattention of all staff and others as necessary, the Safety Policy, theOrganisation and Arrangements provided for its implementation and use.

2.4 The school's policy is to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent personal

injury and damage to property and to protect everyone from foreseeable workhazards including pupils, parents and the public, in so far as they come intocontact with the school whilst it is carrying out its various activities.

2.5 In particular the school has a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to:

a) Provide and maintain the safety of plant, equipment, buildings, system andwork procedures.

b) Ensure all necessary insurance policies are in place and a valid certificate isdisplayed at all times.

c) Make safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage andtransportation of articles and substances.


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d) Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision toenable all staff and pupils to recognise and avoid hazards.

e) To provide necessary safety devices and protective clothing.

f) To provide a safe workplace with safe access and exit from it, includingfire precautions.

g) To provide a healthy working environment with adequate welfarefacilities and amenities.

h) To establish procedures for dealing with foreseeable emergencies andincidents.

i) To provide arrangements for first aid appropriate to the size and natureof the school.

j) To teach all aspects of safety as an integral part of the education andtraining of all pupils.

k) To give consideration to disabled access and use of building.

Signed: Headteacher

Signed: Chair of Governors

3. Employees Responsibilities

3.1 The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states the following:

3.1.1. Section 7

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:

a) To take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves and of

other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

b) As regards any duty or requirement imposed on his/her employer or anyother person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him/her so far as it is necessary to enable that duty orrequirement to be performed or complied with.

3.1.2 .Section 8

No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anythingprovided in the interests of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the

relevant statutory provisions.

4. Organisation


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4.1 Personal Responsibilities

4.1.1 General

This Section defines the personal responsibilities of each level of employee asrequired by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Under nocircumstances can employees be absolved from their personal responsibilitiesand all employees must make themselves aware of the Safety Policy aspreviously detailed.

4.1.2. Education Authority

The County Council will set the health and safety standards to be achieved.The County Council has delegated the specific duty to the Director of Educationto ensure that the Authority's standards are met in all Education

Establishments.

4.1.3. Governors

The Governors are responsible for ensuring that the policies of the Authority arefully implemented and where applicable, that the school produces, implementsand reviews its own policies and must:

a) Prioritise actions where resources are required.

b) Ensure actions are taken.

c) Include Health and Safety on meeting agendas.

d) Produce an annual Health and Safety report.

4.1.4. Staff

a) Shall co-operate with management to fulfil their responsibilities andduties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

b) Shall accept and be conversant with the contents of all Sections of this

document and other relevant publications issued relating to Health andSafety.

c) Shall at all times use the safest practicable methods of work; observe allsafety rules and exercise maximum care and judgement in preventingaccidents likely to be considered as unsafe practices.

d) Shall report all incidents and damage likely to be reasonably consideredas unsafe conditions to the School Business Manager or Headteacher,whether persons are injured or not.

e) Will, so far as practical, maintain all equipment provided in good workingorder and shall ensure the school is kept clean and tidy (therebyminimising the risk of an accident).


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f) Shall report defects in furniture, equipment and hazards in the school tothe School Business Manager or Headteacher and take such action asthey are able, to render safe any health or safety hazard affecting theirwork, other staff, pupils, or members of the public.

g) Will, subject to their ability, deal with any accident/injury.

h) Shall take every reasonable precaution not to injure themselves or othersby their acts or omissions to act.

i) Will attend training courses as required.

j) When undertaking tasks, the nature of which exposes them to possiblehazardous situations, personnel will make full use of protective clothingand equipment, provided by the school.

k) Will ensure that visitors to the school are not placed at unnecessary riskby their actions or work operation being carried out.

i) Will carry out any delegated health and safety duties in a proper andefficient manner.

4.1.5. The Headteacher

a) Is ultimately responsible for the application of the school's safety policyand related matters.

b) The Head (or if absent, the Deputy) has responsibility for the Health andSafety Organisation within the school and the effectiveness of thatorganisation and shall:

(i) by way of regular inspection ensure, as far as is reasonablypractical, that all areas of the school are suitable and safe for theuse to which they are to be put, and that all departments operateeffective safe systems of work.

(ii) ensure that all personnel are, as far as is reasonably practicable,

adequately trained/instructed in the function they are expected tofulfil prior to commencement of their duties. Thistraining/instruction shall apply equally to all staff whether they benew employees, transferred posts or temporary workers.

(iii) ensure that responsibility is properly assigned and accepted at alllevels and that, as far as is reasonably practicable, all premisesare maintained in a condition that is safe and without risk to staffpupils or visitors.

(iv) be responsible for the implementation of the school's Health andSafety Policies and administer the organisation and monitor the

effectiveness of the arrangements made to implement them.

(v) shall ensure that all personnel are adequately trained andunderstand their responsibility for Health and Safety, in order to


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ensure that they can carry out their designated tasks safely andwithout risk.

(vi) in liaison with Governors shall review inspection andaccident/incident investigation reports and investigate appropriate

corrective action.

(viii) Co-operate with and provide necessary facilities for Trades UnionSafety Representatives.

4.1.6. The Site Supervisor

a) Shall ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that all areas of theschool are maintained so as to provide a safe environment.

b) Shall bring to the attention of the School Business Manager or

Headteacher, as soon as is practicable, any defects to property likely topresent a hazard.

c) Shall as soon as is practicable, carry out remedial work necessary toensure safety and good health, as directed by the Headteacher andwithin the remit of his/her job description.

4.2 General Arrangements for Monitoring and Evaluating the Policy

4.2.1 Active

Routine inspections should be carried out once per term using the InspectionCheck Sheet. The inspection team should consist of a minimum of oneGovernor, the Site Supervisor and a member of staff (usually the Headteacheror School Business Manager) and a copy of reports to be presented toGovernors. Notice to be place in Staffroom, by governors, naming those whowill be carrying out the inspection.

After each inspection a report should be completed, detailing any conditionsand/or working practices considered to be unsafe, unsatisfactory or unhealthy.There will be a Section on the form detailing proposed actions ie Site

Supervisor to rectify; contractor to deal; refer to Governors; refer to Land andBuildings. A copy of these forms should be filed.

Risk Assessment involves identifying potential hazards and deciding on anynecessary action. Findings should be recorded of significant hazards.

4.2.2 Reactive

Involves investigating incidents, accidents and occupational ill health.

5. Arrangements


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Each of the arrangements listed below contain guidance relating to thatarrangement and make up a section of their own. These arrangements are setout in the attached statements and should be read in conjunction with thispolicy:

1. Information Available (leaflets, booklets etc)2. Safety of plant, buildings, equipment and their use3. Safety of staff and pupils (including Safeguarding)4. Visitors in school5. Accident and near misses procedures6. Health Issues7. Hazardous Substances8. Security9. Critical Incident Response10. Contractors on site

11. Red Alerts

6. Appendices

Current information on many areas of Health and Safety can be found on theNCC Web Site and, where relevant, this is indicated within each section of theattached Statements.

6. Policies

Copies of policies related to H & S are:

School security First Aid Administration of medication Stress Educational visits Child Protection Extended Schools Income/Financial Management Handbook Information Security Acceptable user/ICT/Social networking


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HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOL

LOCAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (to be read in conjunction with theSchool Safety Policy)

1. Information Available

2. Safety of plant, buildings,equipment and their use

2.1 Physical Education2.2 Portable Equipment2.3 Asbestos requirements2.4 Safety Inspections

3. Safety of staff and pupils 3.1 Fire safety3.2 Safeguarding children & Safer

Recruitment in Education

3.3 Maintenance of equipment andrecords etc

3.4 Lone working3.5 Violence and aggression3.6 Supervision and control3.7 Educational visits3.8 Out of hours school clubs3.9 Display Screen equipment3.10 Risk Assessment3.11 Stress3.12 Curriculum Safety

3.13 Playground Play Equipment3.14 Car safety and traffic

4. Visitors in School 4.1 Work Experience4.2 Use of Volunteers in School

5. Accidents & near misses 5.1 Accident Reporting & Near Misses5.2 Staff Training

6. Health Issues 6.1 Childrens health6.2 Location of details of a confidential

nature6.3 Dogs6.4 Insurance

7. Hazardous Substances 7.1 COSHH7.2 Security of Substances Hazard to


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Health7.3 Specified task7.4 Trained personnel7.5 Disposal7.6 Protective clothing

8. Security 8.1 Premises8.2 Key Policy8.3 CRB/List 99 Checks8.4 Money and Banking8.5 Data security8.6 Gate Locking

9. Critical Incident Response See School Emergency Plan10. Contractors on Site See NCC Health & Safety Management

Handbook11. Red Alerts Safety Alerts


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STATEMENT NO.1- Health & Safety Information Available to staff

Staff have access to the following information:

Guidance for staff on Child Protection Child Protection Manual.

CRB information pertaining to Staff and visitor CRB checks.

Confidential information on children with health concerns and issues that staff needto be aware of for the child's benefit (updated at least annually).

Leaflets available Stress at WorkSafety Policy '97Basic advice on first aid at workUse of laddersSubstance use and misuseDisplay screen equipment

NCC Key Health & Safety Guidance for School Site Staff

NCC Web Site http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safety
http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safetyhttp://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safety


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STATEMENT NO.2- Safety Inspections:

The governing body to ensure that:

2.1 PE and Outdoor Play equipment is inspected annually by a contractor.

2.2 All portable electrical equipment is inspected annually by a contractor.

2.3 Asbestos register is maintained and available for contractors use.

2.4 Safety Inspection checks are carried out within statutory period recommendedby NCC, by a member of staff and/or representative:

Premises: Notices and signs. Lighting. Heating. General Ventilation. Cleanliness of site. Storage of materials. Toilet and washing facilities. Floors/passages/stairs. Ladders. COSHH records. Grounds. Fire Risk Assessment CRB records

Equipment: Portable electrical equipment. VDUs. Grounds maintenance equipment.

All inspections must be logged.


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STATEMENT NO.3- Safety of staff and pupils:

3.1 Fire Evacuation and Alarm Procedures

Fire drills are held at least every term and the procedures followed asdisplayed on Emergency fire exit plan (in every classroom and key areas).See NCC website for school Fire Procedures. During lunchtime and after school activities a delegated person isresponsible for evacuation procedures.

3.2 Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education

See the schools ICT Acceptable Use/Social Networking Policies. The schoolmust adhere to the DfES publication on Safeguarding and Recruitment andadvice available from the NCC HR Dept on Recruitment and CRB checks(available in the school office). Risk Assessments and CRB checks must bedrawn up accordingly.

3.3 Maintenance of Equipment and Records

Ensure that:

Extinguishers are checked annually by contractors.

Fire exits are clearly marked.

Extinguishers are clearly identified.

All store doors are kept shut and locked as appropriate.

The Site Supervisor maintains the Fire Manual (under the direction of theSchool Business Manager).

External doors are kept clear at all times.

Escape Lighting is maintained.

The fire alarm system is checked annually by a contractor and weekly bySite Supervisor.

(For current standards see the Fire Precautions Log Book held in SchoolBusiness Managers office)

3.4 Lone Working

Introduction


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Working alone is not the subject of any general prohibition in health and safetylaw. However, in determining the arrangements necessary to ensure a safeworkplace, it is likely that solitary or remote workers have additional needswhich must be addressed.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, require that riskassessments are carried out to determine significant risks associated with ourwork activities. Therefore additional risks that lone workers may be exposed to,need assessing under these Regulations.

3.4.1 Definition of Lone Worker

Legal PositionThere is no general prohibition on working alone but in certain specialisedcircumstances legislation specifies work which requires more than one person

to carry them out safely, eg:

Entry into confined spaces. Certain ladder work. Certain use of dangerous machinery. Certain work with hazardous chemicals.

3.4.2 Management Responsibilities

In school a variety of staff members, both teaching and non-teaching may, fromtime to time, work alone.

The normal lines of management will apply. Any staff selected to carry outrequirements within this instruction should be competent to do so.

The headteacher should ensure the provision of any necessary training supportand advice needed to ensure that those nominated are familiar with riskassessment techniques.

3.4.3 Line Managers

Managers will ensure that risk assessments are completed for all lone workers

under their control.In particular, the risk assessment process should consult those personnelinvolved in the work activity, together with their accredited Health and SafetyRepresentative if appropriate.

Consultation should be made to the headteacher to establish if a Generic RiskAssessment has already been completed.

The following list is a guide to the factors that should be considered whenconducting assessments:

(a) Ability of employee to conduct task/work.(b) Suitability of equipment and protective clothing.(c) The provision of communication equipment.(d) The adequate provision of first aid equipment.


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(e) Emergency and accident procedures.(f) The remoteness or isolation of the workplace.(g) The possibility of interference such as violence or criminal activity by

other persons.(h) The nature and injury to health and anticipated "worst case" scenario.

Where necessary and following an assessment, a safe system of work mayneed to be developed and the results recorded and communicated to allapplicable personnel.

The primary copy of completed risk assessments and control measures mustbe signed and dated by the person(s) carrying out the assessment and filed inthe main office in the Risk Assessment files.

Risk assessments and control measures must be current and refreshed toreflect significant changes in areas such as task, individual and environment.

The lone worker must be briefed periodically as to the content of the riskassessment (RA) and when significant changes are made to the RA or controlmeasures; the manager must be satisfied that the loan worker understands theRA. A copy of the filed RA and control measures must be available to the loanworker. (For further information see NCC Guidance)

3.5 Violence and Aggression

3.5.1 Recording incidents of violence and aggression to staff

A Northamptonshire County Council staff accident/incident report form shouldbe completed, whether or not a physical injury has been sustained.

(For further information see NCC Guidance)

3.6 Supervision and Control First Aid Procedures

Should an accident occur in the playground the teacher/mid-day supervisormust assess the injury and act accordingly in line with the following criteria:

1. Minor injuries - children to be sent in to a first aider.2. No child should be left unsupervised after an accident as there may be

underlying injuries especially of concern is head injuries.3. For all injuries - assess, consult First Aider if necessary. Record

accidents in Accident Report Book and complete a red bumped headletter (where appropriate) that is sent home to parents.

4. The schools policies on First Aid and Administration of medication mustbe adhered to.

3.7 Off Premise Visits

See separate Educational Visits Policy


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3.8 Out of Hours School Clubs

In the event of an accident occurring during these clubs and no first aider isavailable, parent or other adult should be contacted immediately.

See Extended Schools policy

3.9 Display Screen Equipment

An annual assessment to be carried out on all users as defined in the NCCGuidance on Health & Safety.

3.10 Risk Assessment

A risk assessment must be drawn up for all activities in and out of school, useof equipment by staff and especially that related to premises (aided by EVC).

3.11 Stress

For information see NCC Guidance)

3.12 Curriculum Safety

Refer to NCC Web Site http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safety forinformation relating to curriculum areas.

3.13 Playgound Play Equipment

Refer to Risk Assessment for Playground Play Equipment.

3.14 Car safety and Traffic

Ensure that:

Children and parents reminded regularly about road safety.

Liaison is maintained with the Police and PCSOs about traffic issues if necessary.

Speed on school premises is limited to 5mph.

STATEMENT NO.4- Visitors in School

4.1 Work Experience
http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safetyhttp://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/health&safety


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(For further information see NCC Guidance)

4.2 Use of Volunteers in School(For further information see NCC Guidance and the schools Volunteers policy)

STATEMENT NO.5- Accident Reporting and Near Misses

5.1 Accident Reporting and Near Misses

(For full information see NCC Guidance)

5.2 Staff Training


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First Aid Courses are offered periodically to all staff and lists of qualifiedfirst aiders are located throughout the school.

STATEMENT NO.6- Health issues

6.1 Children's Health

Health Assessments and reviews take place in Reception Year (and other yearsif necessary) by the school nurse.

'Now wash your hands'notices are provided in all toilets.

'Health Advice for Children' folder available in Office.


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The schools policy is that medicine is not administered to children by schoolstaff. Teachers are not responsible for the care of medicines or theiradministration except for asthma inhalers and diabetic glucose or in otherexceptional circumstances. Parents or a named adult are invited to give

medicines when required. With written parental consent children are permittedto administer their own medication.

(Full information can be seen in NCC Guidance)

6.2 Location of details of a confidential nature

6.2.1 Computer based personal records under (Data Protection Act 1984) arepassword protected with restricted access to headteacher, administration staffand other permitted staff and agencies.

6.2.2 Paper records -personal records on staff held in the School BusinessManagers office in locked cabinet. Access restricted to key personnel only.These records are available to all personnel on request.

6.2.3 Pupil paper records - held in secure filing cabinets with the keys held in theoffice.

6.3 Dogs

For safety reasons dogs are not allowed on the premises or to be tied to thegates, other than guide dogs.

6.4 Certificate of Employers' Liability Insurance

A current copy is displayed in the Staffroom.


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STATEMENT N0.8- Security

8.1 Premises External lighting comes on at dusk.

Gates to playground/surrounding areas only open at limited times each day.

Vulnerable external doors are locked during the school day but egress isaccessible internally.

Security access control fitted to main front door.

All staff to indicate their presence by signing the In/Out sheet in the main office.

All visitors required to sign in and wear a badge and ID checked.

Anyone in school, who is not recognised and not wearing a badge, is politelychallenged.

Occasional use of the school hall as a place of entertainment

Also see School Security Policy.

8.2 Key Policy

1. Premises Key Holders are:Headteacher/School Business Manager/Site Supervisor

2. Keys are retrieved from leaving staff by the School Business Manager.

3. Security code numbers are changed accordingly by the Site Supervisor/SchoolBusiness Manager/Alarm Company.

4. Access to school by any member of staff out of school hours must be arrangedwith the Site Supervisor.

8.3 CRB/List 99 Checks

1. List 99 and enhanced CRB checks are carried out on all new staff employed.

2. List 99 and enhanced CRB checks are carried out on all volunteer helpers.(Parent helpers on trips are also checked against List 99)

3. A comprehensive register is kept of all List 99 and CRB data (SCR SingleCentral Record).


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Refer to Child Protection Policy

8.4 Money/Banking

1. See Income policy and School Financial Management Handbook

8.5 Data Security

1. See Information Security Policy.

8.6 Times and Arrangements for Gate locking

AM Opened 06.45Locked 09.00

PM Opened 14.45Locked 15.25

EXCEPTIONS

1. Children attending After-school Clubs to leave by Main Office dooronly and hand-over to adult by teacher/leader in charge.

2. Emergency school closure


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STATEMENT NO.9- Critical Incident Response

For Critical Incident information refer to:

The School Emergency Plan. The statement issued by Northamptonshire County Council Emergency Planning

Major Incidents Procedures. The Northamptonshire County Council booklet Critical Incidents Affecting

Schools Guidelines for Action by Staff and Governing Bodies.


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STATEMENT NO.10- Contractors on Site

All contractors who visit the site must have their ID checked and a school identification

badge must be provided by office staff.

See also Security Policy and NCC Health & Safety Management Handbook forinformation and guidance.


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STATEMENT NO.11- Red Alerts

All information will be cascaded to staff by the means of a Red Alert Notification

displayed on the staff notice board and all staff to sign that they have noted the actioncontained in them.

See Red Alert file in School Business Managers Office and Staffroom.

Documents

HFNIS School Safety Policy