THORNHAM ST. JAMES PRIMARY SCHOOL

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

                                             Reviewed &  Updated October 2021

Introduction

The Health and Safety of everyone within Thornham St. James is of paramount importance.  The health, well-being and safety of everyone cannot be compromised under any circumstances and all who work here have a relevant duty of care to each other and to themselves.

Overall the ultimate responsibility for health and safety in schools is that of the employer i.e. The Local Authority.  Legislation surrounding health and safety issues is continuously being updated and the Oldham Health and Safety Team provide comprehensive guidance. Thornham St.James Primary School subscribes to the Oldham Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service on an annual basis through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) contract.

Day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to School Governing Bodies and the Headteacher.  The Headteacher is responsible for advising the Governing Body and for the implementation of the Health & Safety Policy within school and also for ensuring that teachers and other employees carry out their duties and co-operate with the policy.

It is the aim of this policy to work within the information, procedures and codes of practice contained in the Education Department’s Health and Safety Manual (located in the staffroom).

This policy should be read alongside other safeguarding policies e.g. Safeguarding and Child Protection, Safeguarding Staff from Allegations, Safer Working Practices, First Aid and Lockdown Policies.

Statement of general policy

• To ensure that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the premises.
• To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout school.
• To establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst staff and pupils.
• To provide and maintain equipment which is safe, has been manufactured to a British, European or International Standard and is without risk to health.
• To ensure safe handling, use, storage and transport of articles and substances.
• To provide adequate information, instruction and training to enable staff and pupils to carry out their work activities in a healthy and safe manner, and to enable them to contribute positively to their own health and safety and that of others.
• To prevent accidents and cases of work related ill health.
• To provide and maintain a safe and healthy school building with safe access and egress.
• To make effective arrangements, for fire evacuation and other emergency situations.
• To make arrangements within the school for the reporting of all accidents.
• To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.

Health and Safety Guidelines

It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that their place of work is safe.  Any question of Health and Safety beyond the knowledge of the employee should be referred to the Headteacher who has overall responsibility for the safety of all pupils, employees and visitors in school.

To ensure health and safety standards are maintained/improved, the following people have responsibility in the following areas.

1.  The Local Authority with the assistance of school Governors:

• Shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of teachers and other education staff.
• Shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of pupils in school and off-site visits.
• Shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of visitors to schools, and volunteers involved in any school activity.
• Shall guide and monitor the Headteacher to ensure that he/she keeps health and safety as a high priority in the day-to-day management of the school.
• Shall consider the health and safety implications of policies and guidance issued by Oldham health and Safety Team.
• Shall discuss and resolve so far as is reasonably practicable, health and safety issues at meetings of the Governing Body

2.  The Headteacher

The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and shall, so far as is reasonably practicable:

• Ensure that the school’s Health and Safety Policy under the guidance of the LA Health and Safety team is implemented and adhered to at all times.
• Ensure that all members of staff know, understand and accept their health and safety duties and responsibilities.
• Ensure that adequate resources are allocated to facilitate healthy and safe working and teaching practices.
• Ensure that the Governing Body is advised of health and safety implications when undertaking the management of the school budget.
• Ensure that all employees, pupils and visitors receive adequate information, instruction, training and supervision, both within school and on school trips as appropriate. This is particularly important when introducing new members of staff to the premises.
• Ensure that all machinery, appliances and equipment purchased by or used within school, conforms to a British, European or International Standard, is used in the manner that it was designed for and is periodically examined, tested and maintained as appropriate.
• Ensure the use of safe working practices and where necessary draw up and communicate written codes of practice for safe working and teaching.
• Ensure that only approved chemicals and substances are used at school and ensure that the appropriate safety information and risk assessment is available to the user, (in line with COSHH regulations).
• Ensure that suitable and appropriate protective clothing and equipment is serviceable and provided for staff and pupils who require it, and ensure that it is worn and used when necessary.
• Ensure that adequate first aid treatment is available by the provision of a First-Aider or appointed person and ensure that first aid boxes are kept adequately stocked.
• Ensure that accidents/violent incidents are recorded and where necessary, investigated and reported to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service as soon as possible and also reported to the Governing Body in the Headteacher’s Termly Report.  In the event of a major injury, the Chairman of the Governing Body shall be informed immediately.
• Ensure a record is kept of any contagious disease that is contracted, and all acts of violence and bullying are reported as appropriate.
• Ensure that evacuation procedures are planned and are rehearsed at least once per term.
• Ensure that fire equipment, fixtures and exits are checked periodically and maintained to ensure that they are in working order.
• Ensure that adequate welfare facilities are provided and maintained for staff and pupils
• Ensure that periodic safety inspections of the school are carried out.
• Ensure that there is consultation with the Staff Representative on matters of health, safety and welfare.
• Ensure that contractors working in the school, report to the Headteacher/Site Manager before work commences in order to ascertain work details and agree safety procedures.
• Ensure that in his/her absence, health and safety duties are delegated as appropriate.
• Ensure that there is an annual appraisal of the school’s health and safety performance.
• Ensure that risk assessment are undertaken and reviewed as appropriate.
• Review and up-date policy as appropriate.
• Ensure that all adults working with pupils are appropriately recruited and vetted.
• Ensure that all records of safety training are current, and maintained in the main office.

3. All Staff

We all have a duty of care to one another.  In the interest of the safety of all, all staff, where appropriate and so far as is reasonably practicable, will:

• Ensure that the School and Council policies are implemented at all times. Copies of policies are available in the school office.
• Be responsible for the health and safety of the pupils and staff they supervise. This also includes being suitably trained and current in the legislation and practice of Health and Safety.
• Ensure that equipment used at school is safe and presents no risk to health, and ensure that any defects are reported immediately to the Headteacher so that the equipment can either be repaired or disposed of.
• In the event of a fire, ensure that all pupils know the fire procedures and are evacuated safely.
• In the case of an injury, arrange for suitable first aid treatment, investigate the accident that caused the injury and record the details in the accident book.  Report ALL accidents and near accidents, however trivial to the Headteacher or senior mid-day supervisor and inform parents.
• Ensure that all classroom-based activities are carried out in a safe and healthy manner.
• Ensure that playground activities are supervised as appropriate and that violent behaviour is stopped.
• Ensure that pupils are adequately supervised at lunchtimes.
• Ensure that, whilst pupils are playing for a sports team, provision has been made for dealing with injuries and other emergencies.
• Ensure that whilst transporting pupils by car, safety seatbelts are worn and the Local Authority (LA) guidelines are followed. Checks on driving licenses, insurance and MOT certificates may be made at periodic intervals.
• Ensure that when undertaking school trips, sufficient research, planning, precautions and supervision are undertaken as laid down in the Local Authority Guidance.
• Ensure that pupils do not bring into school any potentially dangerous article or hazardous substance without the expressed permission of the Headteacher.
• Take appropriate action to make safe any dangerous condition caused by wet or icy weather.
• Ensure that any agreed security provisions are carried out.
• Co-operate with the Headteacher on all aspects of health, safety and welfare, including training.
• Co-operate with the Headteacher in undertaking risk assessments for all activities with significant risks, to identify hazards and control measures and to communicate this information to all people who need to know.
• Ensure that children walk when in school.
• Ensure that the children behave in a safe way whilst in school by encouraging correct behaviour.
• Ensure that children use the pupil entrance, not the main entrance unless accompanied by an adult.
• No child may leave school premises for any reason.  A known adult must collect children having an appointment during the day from school reception and with the knowledge of the Headteacher.
• Staff should not allow children to be released into a potential ‘domestic’ argument between parents.

 4. In the interests of safety the Teaching Staff should, in addition to those items in section 3:

• Arrive in the area in which they are teaching PROMPTLY.
• Ensure that children are supervised at ALL times whilst in their care.  Ensure alternative adult supervision is provided if the class teacher has to leave the room for any reason. 
• Train children to enter school in a safe and orderly manner.
• Ensure all children have left the cloakrooms and toilets at breaktime and at the end of the day.  Only give permission to children with a clear purpose, permission to remain in school; and then under your supervision.
• Ensure the First Aid box in class is properly stocked.
• Do not allow children to use tools or equipment, except when adequately trained and closely supervised.
• Teachers should administer simple and immediate first aid, whether in class or acting as senior mid-day supervisor, for simple grazes etc.  Any blow to the head or injury causing doubt should be reported to the Headteacher.
• Comply with information/guidelines on educational visits/trips.

 5.In the interests of safety the Premises Manager should, in addition to those items in section 3:

• Ensure the school is in a fit and safe condition for children to enter for the morning session (e.g. floors are dry) by conducting a daily check.
• Ensure that toilets are clean and hygienic.
• Ensure that classrooms and work surfaces are clean and hygienic.
• Ensure that all toxic materials and appliances are stored away from children (i.e locked).
• Ensure COSHH assessments are undertaken and made available.
• Check that any new substances can be used safely before they are purchased.
• Ensure the boiler house is not a fire hazard or danger and the door is locked.
• Make regular internal and external usual inspections of the building.
• Ensure all maintenance checks and inspection records, e.g. site manager checks, emergency lighting, fire alarm system, legionella are completed. These should be available for immediate inspection should the need arise.
• Ensure equipment e.g. ladders are checked regularly.
• Carry out maintenance and repair work safely.
• Ensure contractors, workmen etc, are made aware of asbestos survey in school.
• Secure the premises when they are left, close windows, unplug all appliances and turn taps off.
• Report regularly at least on a monthly basis, to the Headteacher about the condition of school.
• Ensure a pathway is cleared in snowy or icy weather for the access of adults and children to school.
• Report accidents to the Headteacher.
• Lock up the building.
• Oversee any contractors on the premises – checking appropriate policies and procedures including risk assessments – and as far as is reasonably practical, make suitable provision for their health and safety whilst on school premises.
• Ensure that the identities of visitors or contractors are checked on arrival. Those visitors/contractors who are not DBS checked must be supervised whilst in school.

 6.In the interest of safety will the Mid-day Supervisor please, in addition to those items in section 3:

• Be aware of the duty rota of Senior Mid-day Supervisors.
• Closely supervise the children whilst in the dining hall, on their way to the playground and on the playground or field as required.  No child should be in the playground without the close supervision of a Mid-day Supervisor.
• Report all acts of violence and extreme disobedience to the Senior Mid-day Supervisor.
• Stop any unsafe play.
• Ensure any child requiring First Aid is taken to the Senior Mid-day Supervisor.
• Ensure no child leaves the school boundary or goes out of sight down a school banking.
• Remain mobile whilst in the playground to ensure all parts of the playground can be supervised at all times.

In the interest of safety, the Senior Mid-day Supervisor responsible for lunchtime supervision should, in addition to those items in section 3:

• Supervise the children.
• Deal with all disciplinary matters brought to their attention by the Mid-day Supervisor.  Pass more serious disciplinary matters on to the Deputy Headteacher or the Headteacher.
• Ensure the rotation of Mid-day Supervisors provides supervision of children in all parts of the school.
• Ensure any child requiring First Aid is treated and the incident entered in the accident book. If appropriate, the Headteacher to be informed immediately.
• Decide if it is a wet or dry play.
• Periodically check satisfactory hand washing before meals.
• Supervise the inside of the school building.

7. Pupils

All pupils are encouraged to:

• Co-operate with Teachers and school staff on health and safety matters.
• Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their own health and safety.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.
• Report all health and safety concerns to a Teacher.

8. Union Safety Representatives

In addition to the above, union appointed safety representatives are entitled to investigate any accident/incident occurring, any potential hazard reported and to carry out safety inspections at a rate of one inspection per quarter.

9. Supervision

• School is responsible for the safety of children whilst on the school premises, including 10 minutes before and after school sessions (when the school gates are open).
• Teachers on duty at playtimes must be outside at the commencement of play. Children must not be dismissed to the playground before an adult is present.
• Safe and positive play should be encouraged at all times.
• Children must not be left inside the school working at break or lunchtimes in an unsupervised capacity.
• Classteachers should inform the School Office/Headteacher of any child not collected at the end of the day. The child must remain at the main entrance until collected.
• If after school clubs or inter-school matches are cancelled at short notice, children must remain, supervised, on the premises until parents are able to collect them.

Children should not be dismissed to the yard before an adult is in close supervision.  In practice this means that before school, the head or Deputy will supervise.  Other breaks will be supervised by at least two members of staff.

The teacher responsible for playground duty each day is to decide if it is a wet playtime.

Lunchtime Supervision – see appendix

10. Movement of Vehicles on Site

Staff and visitors to school (not parents) should park their vehicles on the school car park. Due to lack of space, and to prevent any potential accidents, parents are not permitted to access the school via the car park when entering or leaving the school premises

Parents are encouraged to walk their children to school or park their vehicles according to requirements of the Highway Code. Parking on the yellow markings outside school is not permitted and parents are encouraged to park courteously and with due regard to pupil and parent safety and with due regard to neighbours.

11. Educational Visits/Extra Curricular Activities

• The Authority’s regulations regarding visits and trips must be strictly adhered to.

      This policy adopts the guidance set out in the Health and Safety Manual under

      Section 21, Oldham Regulations and Guidelines for Educational Visits 

     (ORGEV).

• The Educational Visits Co-ordinator for the school is

Name: Mrs Margaret Johnson

Position: Headteacher

• All educational visits must be authorised by the Headteacher (and/or Governors/LA as appropriate) in advance.
• All Category C visits must receive LA approval.
• All appropriate information relating to the trip e.g. arrival/departure times, clothing requirements, contact numbers etc must be communicated to the parents of the children.
• Arrangements must be meticulously made and reported to the Headteacher before the visit.

Full risk assessments must be undertaken.

• Parental consent is to be sought and given in writing.
• Only approved coaches, which provide seat belts, are properly taxed, insured and have a valid MOT Certificate will be used.
• One teacher must take overall responsibility for arranging the trip and be responsible for the children during the duration of the visit.
• All other adults are responsible to that one teacher for the safety of the children.  All adults must be aware of their duties of care by the teacher with overall responsibility.
• No child is to be unsupervised at any time during a visit or trip.  Adult supervision of both sexes is therefore required.
• Adult supervision will be at least 1 adult per 10 pupils.
• First Aid must be available for all children at all times.

If an accident occurs- first aid to be administered or medical attention sought.

• At each stage of the visit the leader should satisfy themselves by counting that everyone is present and accounted for before proceeding to the next stage.
• At the end of the visit/trip the leader must report to the Headteacher about the details of the trip.
• Advice relating to educational visits can be obtained from:

David Faulconbridge

Educational Visits Advisor

Castleshaw Centre

Waterworks Road

Delph

Oldham

OL3 5LZ

Tel: 01457 874276

• Detailed procedures and guidelines can be found in:

1. Oldham Regulations and Guidelines for Educational Visits (ORGEV)
2. Oldham’s ‘Guidance for Off Site Visits and Adventure Activities” (GOVAA).
3. The EVOLVE online system.

12. Visitors

• Any person visiting the premises is requested to make an appointment prior to the visit.
• Access to school is via the main entrance only.
• The main entrance to school only allows access via a door entry system.
• On entering the premises, visitors must go to the reception/main office and sign-in the visitor’s book.
• All visitors will be issued with a visitor’s badge, which is to be worn for the duration of the visit.
• On departure, visitors must sign-out of the visitors’ book.
• All visitors must have their identities checked on arrival. Visitors without a DBS check must be supervised whilst on school premises.

13. Accident/First Aid and work Related Ill Health

At least one member of staff will have attended the First Aid at Work (3 day course) training. Additional staff will have attended the School First Aid/Emergency First Aid training and at least one member of staff will have received training in the Paediatric First Aid qualification.

• The main first aid box is kept in the Infant Craft Area Stockroom.
• The Office and each class have their own first aid box for minor injuries.
• A list of the names of pupils who have specific medical requirements e.g. asthmatics, epileptics is kept in the school office.
• Children, who are asthmatic, are required to keep a spare inhaler at school.  Junior children are responsible for their own and keep it in their classroom.  Infant children’s inhalers are labelled with the child’s name and stored in the school office.  This enable teachers to assess frequency of need and inform parents as appropriate.
• Staff may only administer medication if it is an emergency situation or an extreme exception and if the Head has prior knowledge about the child’s medical condition.
• Staff administering medication in an emergency e.g. inhaler, must be fully trained to do so.
• The school must have written parental consent before any form of medication can be administered e.g. during a school visit, residential.
• Parents must be informed of minor head injury accidents, such as bumps to the head. A ‘bumped head’ letter should be sent home.
• If there is any cause for concern when a child has an accident, the parents should be informed immediately (or as soon as possible if immediate contact cannot be made).
• All accidents are to be recorded promptly in the accident book, which is located in the school office.
• All serious accidents/incidents must also be recorded on the Authority’s Accident Report Forms (AIR 1), which are located in the Headteachers’ office.

Completed forms must be sent to: The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service.

14. Emergency Procedures – Fire and Evacuation

The first consideration must be the evacuation of the pupils to a place of safety.

• Any adult discovering an outbreak of fire should, without hesitation, sound the nearest fire alarm.  Pupils should be taught to inform the nearest teacher.
• On hearing the alarm, pupils should ‘stand by their desks’ and, when instructed by the teacher of the exit route to be followed, leave the classroom in an orderly manner.
• The teacher, following at the rear, should take the attendance register with them.  Teachers should, if possible turn out the lights and close the doors as they leave.
• If the attendance registers are not in the classroom at the time of the alarm, they are to be taken to the assembly point by the school administrator as quickly as possible.
• The evacuation should be carried out in a quiet, orderly manner so that any instructions given or cries of help can be heard.
• Once the class is assembled on the playground in their designated place, the register should be taken.
• The Headteacher should be the last to leave the school on being certain that all persons are clear of the building.  The Headteacher will check everyone is assembled on the playground.
• All outbreaks of fire, however small, or any suspected fire, should be reported immediately to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service by telephoning 999.  This is the duty of the senior member of staff present or the school administrator.  It is important that there should be no delay in transmitting the call. 
• No person is allowed to re-enter the building until permission is given by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service or, in the case of a drill, by the Headteacher.
• Fire drill will take place at least once a term at different times of the day.
• As soon as is practicable after the commencement of a school term, all new entrants, staff and pupils should be instructed in the routine fire procedure.
• A report of a test fire drill and evacuation situation should be made at each termly meeting of the governing body.
• For ‘Invacuation’ Procedures, see the Lockdown policy.

.

15. General Precautions

• How we conduct ourselves in and around the building is of great importance to personal safety and welfare and to that of others.  Rules and routines are in place that must be constantly reinforced to children and adults alike to minimise any risk of harm or injury.

• Ensure fire exits are clear at all times.
• Ensure displays and furnishings do not constitute a fire hazard.
• Ensure all pupils have an unobstructed passage to the exits.
• Fire risks assessments are undertaken by the Health and Safety Team and implemented by the Headteacher and Site Manager.
• Fire extinguishers, fire doors, emergency lights and fire alarms are maintained and checked by the authority on a regular basis (quarterly).
• In addition the site manager tests different Fire alarm points each week.
• Full records are maintained by the site manager on our ‘weblog’ system and in the Fire Safety File.

16. Violent Behaviour and Harassment

School has a code of conduct, which outlines and clarifies the expectations of behaviour for visitors and parents on site to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff. Any forms of aggression, threatening behaviour, verbal abuse or racist, sexisy or homophobic comments will not be tolerated. All incidents of abusive or threatening behaviour will be recorded and reported to the Local Authority wsith an option to report the matter to the police if necessary. The Headteacher or governors may seek the advice of OMBC Legal Services should the situation warrant such action which may lead to ‘banning orders’ preventing individuals from entering the school premises.

Advice given to staff if faced with a violent aggressor: avoid direct eye contact, do not raise your voice, do not take an aggressive stance, do not say or do anything to antagonise the situation. If aware of the possibility of aggressive behaviour from a third party, the possibility of providing additional staff i.e. ‘doubling up’ should be considered. Avoid being on your own in a potentially violent situation if possible!

17. Monitoring

Health and Safety is monitored continuously. The Headteacher and Site Manager carry out thorough checks on a regular basis and our Buildings’ Committee also conduct an annual internal and external health and safety check/tour of the school. The school participates in the Local Authority Health and Safety audit process and interim process and ensures that we comply with all non-conformance requirements as soon as is practically possible. Health and Safety is reported at each full governing body meeting.

Finally

There is a range of legislative requirements such as those around control of hazardous substances, fire control and water borne carried infections, which have specific guidelines and expectations.  The school will follow LA directives and guidance in ensuring that the school constantly strives to meet those requirements and wherever necessary will work with outside agencies to ensure our school is regarded as being legally safe and sound.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

M.Johnson

Headteacher

Covid - Please see the full risk assessment on the website alongside other cover guidelines.

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISION - APPENDIX

Senior Mid-day Supervisor rota:

12.00 – 12.15p.m        Same member of staff each day

12.15 – 1.30p.m          Different member of staff each day

Procedures

12.00 – KS1 pupils in the dining room with KS1 mid-day supervisors and senior mid-day supervisor.  One mid-day supervisor is to escort the first group of children who finish their lunch, out to the playground.  No child is to be dismissed from the hall before the mid-day supervisor.  Remaining two mid-day supervisors to continue supervising the children in the hall.  Second mid-day supervisor to go to the playground once the KS1 pupils in the hall is reduced to half.  The final infant mid-day supervisor is to remain in the hall until the last infant child has left the hall.  She/he should ensure no children remain in the classrooms, cloakrooms or toilets, unless they are under supervision of the class teacher.

12.15 – Infant member of staff on duty to remain in the hall until the next member of staff arrives to take over the lunchtime duty.

One KS2 class are to wash their hands and line up ready to enter the hall. Remaining three KS2 classes to take a short break before lunch.  Classes alternate on a weekly rota. Class teachers to ensure children are clear of cloakrooms and toilets.  One mid-day supervisor has to be in the playground at 12.15pm, to ensure supervision of pupils, when they are dismissed from the classroom into the playground.  (Teacher to ensure mid-day supervisor is in attendance before dismissing pupils to the playground.)  One KS2 mid-day supervisor is to remain in the hall throughout lunchtime, until the pupil number in the hall is reduced to approximately 20 pupils.  She/he is to then join the mid-day supervisor outside in the playground.

One pupil from Y6 to be a monitor, who, on instruction from the teacher on duty will inform the mid-day supervisor in the playground that a group should come to the dining hall.  (Mid-day supervisor to send the children in – the pupil is not to call out!)

Senior mid-day supervisor (teacher on duty) is to remain in the hall until all children have finished their lunch.  They should then check the inside of school to ensure all pupils have gone promptly to the playground.

Children in Classrooms at Lunch Times

Children who remain in school should have a legitimate purpose for doing so.  They remain the responsibility of the class teacher.

All children should be in the playground by 1.00p.m. except:

• Children taking part in a lunch time club activity.
• Those who stay in for health reasons.  Please ensure that the senior mid-day supervisor on duty knows they are to remain in school.  They are to stay in the Reception class area where they can be more easily supervised.
• Those working under the direct supervision of the class teacher.

Wet Days - Senior Mid-day Supervisor to give additional supervision as required.

Reminder: Accidents in the playground should be referred in the first instance to the Senior Mid-day Supervisor.  Mid-day Supervisors bringing children with injuries into school should return to the playground as soon as possible.  The Senior Mid-day Supervisor on duty should fill in the accident book, kept in the office, with details of the injury, place of accident, treatment etc. – Serious injuries, including any bump of the head are to be referred to the Head or Deputy Headteacher.

Please refer any difficulties to the Headteacher.