Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 General

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and subordinate legislation states that all employees have health and safety responsibilities when at work. Although some duties and responsibilities may be delegated, accountability for health, safety and welfare at work is not transferable and cannot be evaded.

Stoke Primary School is a community school whereby the employer is the Local Authority (LA). Whilst the LA is responsible as the employer to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, the Head Teacher and governors have management responsibilities to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, pupils, visitors and contractors and the self employed. The senior leadership team and the governing body as the management body will ensure that school staff and premises comply with both Coventry City Council and local health and safety policies and practices.

In compliance with Coventry City Council policy and smoking legislation, a strict NO SMOKING policy exists in school buildings and on the school site. Everybody will be instructed that this must be adhered to at all times.

2.2 Governors

The Education Reform Act 1996 has given school governors important powers and duties in controlling school premises and management of schools, including health and safety responsibilities towards staff, pupils, service users, contractors and visitors.

Stoke Primary School's governing body has the responsibility for ensuring that reasonable measures are put in place to ensure the health and safety and welfare of employees, pupils, visitors and other people affected by the establishment’s activities. To this end the governing body will:

• produce a school health and safety policy and devise appropriate procedures for managing health and safety related issues
• implement the policies of Coventry City Council and any agreed local policies or procedures where appropriate
• as part of their decision making, take into account the costs of implementing the health and safety policies, seeking and setting aside reasonable funding for their implementation
• receive and action regular and routine health and safety reports from the Head Teacher to enable it to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the health and safety management systems
• ensure when awarding contracts that health and safety is included in specifications and contract conditions taking account Coventry City Council policy and procedures
• ensure that the school has access to competent health and safety advice

2.3 Head Teacher

The Head Teacher will comply with Coventry City Council’s health and safety policy and in particular will:

• Visibly support the Children, Learning and Young People Directorate's health and safety arrangements, work with trade union and employee health and safety representatives and ensure that all employees are aware of and accountable for their specific health and safety responsibilities and duties
• Ensure health and safety policies, procedures, action plan and risk management programme is implemented as an integral part of business, operational planning and service delivery
• Take on the role as the Responsible Person as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Support accident and incident investigations, review reports and statistics, utilise information on trends and hot spots
• Undertake monitoring and ensure the provision of adequate resources to achieve compliance
• Ensure that local procedures for the selection and monitoring of contractors are in place and meet the requirements of Coventry City Council's policy and procedures
• Ensure that the school has access to competent health and safety advice

The Coventry City Council’s People's Director and School Governing Body place responsibility on the Head Teacher to achieve the objectives of the health and safety policy. The Head Teacher will ensure that all necessary health and safety activities, requirements and standards are undertaken and met within their area of control.

In addition to their statutory duties, Heads and Teachers have a common law duty of care for pupils which stems from their position in law “in loco parentis”.

2.4 Senior Leadership Team

The leadership team at Stoke Primary School will undertake general responsibility to ensure that all necessary health and safety activities, requirements and standards are undertaken and met within their respective areas of control. This will be done under the direction of the Head Teacher..Specifically the Deputy Head and Assistant Head Teachers, Business Manager, Site Manager and any other member of staff with supervisory responsibilities will:

• Identify hazards, initiate risk assessments, record the significant findings and implement any necessary control measures
• Check and document that the working environment is safe; equipment, products and materials are used safely; that health and safety procedures are effective and complied with and that any necessary remedial action is taken
• Inform, instruct, train, supervise and communicate with employees and provide them with equipment, materials and clothing as is necessary to enable them to work safely; to complete the health and safety induction checklist for all new employees at the commencement of their employment
• Report all accidents, incidents and near miss events, undertake an investigation into the cause and take appropriate remedial action to prevent recurrence

2.5 Employees

All employees, agency and peripatetic workers and contractors must comply with the school's health and safety policy and associated arrangements and in particular are required to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety at work and of those who may be affected by their actions or by their omissions
• Cooperate with their line manager and senior management to work safely, to comply with health and safety instructions and information and undertake appropriate health and safety training as required
• Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare
• Report to their manager any health and safety concerns, hazardous condition or defect in the health and safety arrangements
• Support the school in embedding a positive safety culture that extends to the pupils of the school and any visitors to the site
• Be aware of information relating to the whereabouts of known or presumed asbestos within the school and have the content of the schools asbestos management plan, which is held by the Site Services Officer and School Business Manager, explained to them.

2.6 Pupils

All pupils are expected to behave in a manner that reflects the school's behaviour policy and in particular are expected to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety at school and of their peers, teachers, support staff and any other person that may be at school
• Cooperate with teaching and support staff and follow all health and safety instructions given
• Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare
• Report to a teacher or other member of school staff any health and safety concerns that they may have

2.7 Lettings

This policy includes within the arrangements section procedures for lettings, in particular fire evacuation and security arrangements and the requirements relating to accident, assault and near miss reporting requirements and the provision of first aid.

Persons/organisations letting the site must agree to:

• Co-operate and co-ordinate with the school on health and safety matters
• Agree to the terms of the lettings policy in relation to health and safety arrangements
• Provide information relating to any additional risks or procedures which will be new or unusual to those of the school that may arise from their activities

The school will ensure that:

• The premises are in a safe condition for the purpose of use
• Health and safety arrangements are detailed in the lettings policy and that these are fully explained and communicated
• Adequate arrangements for emergency evacuation are in place and communicated

3. ARRANGEMENTS

The following arrangements will be adopted to ensure that Governors and the Head Teacher fulfil their responsibilities and provide the foundation for securing the health and safety of employees, and all users of the site.

3.1 Setting health and safety objectives

The Governors and the Head Teacher will specifically review progress of health and safety objectives at the termly meeting of the Governing Body (this may be included as part of the Head Teachers report to governors). Where necessary health and safety improvements will be identified and included within the school action plan.

3.2 Consultation

3.2.1 Provision of an Effective Joint Consultative Process

The school’s Health and Safety Committee meet once per term as part of the Resource Management Sub-Committee and report back termly to the Full Governing Body. The H&S working party consists of a member of the Senior Leadership Team, School Business Manager, Site Services Officer and Governor and reports and consults with all school staff, Trade Union Representatives and Governing Body ensuring that all concerns are considered and addressed with a clear action plan, identified responsibilities and target dates.

3.2.2 Involvement of Pupils

The School Council takes part in looking at the safety and security of the school and undertake site walks looking at and considering the fire and emergency procedures in school. As school representatives, they are responsible for cascading the information to all of their classmates.

3.3 Establishing Adequate Health and Safety Communication Channels

Communication channels will be established for the exchange of health and safety knowledge and information. Where necessary, these communications will be recorded and include:

• Senior leadership team meetings and staff meetings
• The Governors Premises Management Sub-Committee/ Health and Safety Sub-Committee

• Provision of information relating to safe systems of work and risk assessments
• Staff briefings
• Staff training days
• Health and safety noticeboard
• School Council
• New Staff Induction
• Visitors, Adults or Supply Staff in School
• Communication of health and safety bulletins or information from Madrigal or Coventry City Council’s Health, Safety and Welfare Team
• Communications with relevant specialist advisors and People’s Directorate’s committees and bodies
• Where health and safety issues cannot be resolved at local level, they will be escalated through the management structure as appropriate

3.4 Competencies

3.4.1 Provision of Effective Health and Safety Training

The Head Teacher and Governors will consider health and safety training on an annual basis in line with the school's health and training matrix focussing on mandatory training as a priority.

3.4.2 Risk Assessment

Team Leaders, Curriculum Subject Co-ordinators, Educational Visits Co-ordinator, Team Leaders and Persons in Charge of Identified Activities and Events supported and advised by the Senior Leadership Team in identifying hazards and ensuring that significant findings are recorded and control measures are implemented.

3.4.3 Specialist Advice and Support

Specialist advice and support will be obtained from Madrigal Safety, as required. Where necessary, health and safety issues will be escalated to the People's directorate Health and Safety Committee or to an appropriate Head Teacher forum.

3.5 Risk Assessment

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 covers the outline requirements for the management of health & safety. Reference should also be made to the HSE publication HSG65 Successful Health & Safety Management.

Stoke Primary School will assess the risks to the health and safety of all staff, pupils and of anyone else that may be affected by the work activity. The clear identification of all foreseeable risks will enable the necessary preventative and protective measures to be implemented.

The school will ensure that all those staff members who carry out risk assessments will be competent do so and where appropriate, the Health and Safety Consultant will assist in the preparation of assessments.

When a decision on the suitable risk controls is made the risk assessment will be recorded and copies made available to all those who require them. Where it is identified as being necessary, additional training or information will be provided for any staff member.

The Head Teacher will bring to the attention of staff all the necessary precautions detailed in the written risk assessment and the Senior Leadership Team will monitor systems of work and the working environment to ensure that staff acts in accordance with the details outlined in the written assessment.

The school will make arrangements for putting into practice all the control measures that have been identified as being necessary in the risk assessment. Competent people will be appointed to apply the measures that are necessary to comply with the duties under health and safety legislation.

Health surveillance for employees will be provided where the risk assessment shows it to be necessary.

Temporary workers will be given particular health and safety information to meet their special requirements. All staff has a duty to follow health and safety instructions and report any dangerous aspects.

All risk assessments will be reviewed at least annually, or earlier should the need arise e.g. following an incident, change of method of work, etc.

In the event that a situation occurs that could present serious or imminent danger to any person whether they are a staff member, pupil or other the following procedure will apply:

• Planned work and/or activity with the pupils that could be affected will cease
• The responsible person on site will instruct staff on necessary immediate action to be taken to reduce the danger if possible
• If this is not possible the location or activity will be cordoned off or access prevented until the danger has passed or the area can be made safe.
• Advice will be sought by the Head Teacher from relevant external sources as necessary e.g. the H&S consultant.

3.6 Fire Safety

3.6.1 General Procedures

The schools Fire Risk Assessment and Fire and Emergency Plan will be reviewed annually, documents will be reviewed sooner following any significant changes to the building or room use, as part of any refurbishment/construction projects, following a fire or other emergency incident or after an unacceptable fire drill.

The procedures detailed in the Fire and Emergency Plan may be implemented in other circumstances where there is a need to evacuate the building or the site; this may include incidents such as gas leaks, bomb threats etc. Where there is information relating to a specific threat it will be included in the appropriate section of the plan.

Appropriate instruction and training relating to fire safety including safe evacuation and emergency procedures will be provided to staff (including agency, temporary, peripatetic, work placements and work experience) and recorded. Appropriate information/instruction will be provided to pupils/visitors/contractors.

Where staff, pupils or any other person who regularly attends the school are identified as needing additional support or assistance to evacuate the building in the event of an emergency, a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) will be developed and implemented.

3.6.2 Fire Drills and Alarm Activations

Regular fire drills will be undertaken on at least a termly basis; drills will include before and after school activities and lunch/break periods.

Where there is a planned test of the fire alarm system or a planned drill, appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that the fire service do not respond unnecessarily. This is normally by contacting the appropriate monitoring facility (ESU) to advise of intent to activate system.

Following either a planned or unplanned evacuation of the building, a de-brief session will be held to review the effectiveness of the evacuation and consider where any review of the fire and emergency plan is required.

All activations of the fire alarm system will be recorded. The fire service will be informed of all incidents of fire, even if small and extinguished.

3.7 Financial Resources

The Governors along with the Head Teacher will ensure there are adequate resources deployed to ensure a high standard of health and safety management and controls.

3.8 Accident, Assault and Near Miss Reporting and Investigation

Stoke Primary School have adopted the City Councils procedures for the reporting of accidents, assaults and near miss incidents.

If any accident, assault or near miss incident occurs on the school premises or on an offsite event organised by the school it is reported to both the Health and Safety Consultant and the Council Health Safety and Wellbeing team. Any serious incidents are notified by telephone immediately or as soon as is reasonably practicable after the incident.

Reports are completed as soon as possible following an incident by the employee’s line manager, or for pupils by the member of staff supervising the pupil at the time of the incident.

All employee incidents are input onto the LA’s Alcumus online reporting system within 24 hours of the incident occurring.

Coventry City Council no longer completes the RIDDOR reports on behalf of the school; this will be carried out by the school’s appointed health and safety consultancy, currently Madrigal safety.

Pupil incidents that meet the criteria as specified in the HSE guidance EDIS1 are input onto the Alcumus online reporting system within 24 hours of the incident occurring.

Pupil incidents that are not required to be reported on the Alcumus online reporting system are recorded locally. Minor incidents are investigated in school by Senior Leadership Team and retained in school files. Investigations are undertaken by the Senior Leadership Team, with the assistance of the health and safety consultant where appropriate.

Pupil forms/records are retained for 24 years, employee forms for six years and forms relating to work related ill health for 6 years or longer (40 years where there has been potential exposure to radiation or asbestos).

Accident, assaults and near miss incidents are a standard agenda item at the health and safety committee meeting.

3.9 Asbestos Management

Asbestos is a generic term for a number of silicates of iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium and aluminium that appear naturally in fibrous form. In the 2012 Regulations, asbestos is defined as any of the following minerals, "crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, anthophyllite, actinolite, tremolite or any mixture containing any of the said materials".

Stoke Primary School has an explicit duty to assess and manage the risks from asbestos in premises in compliance with Regulation 4 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations. Each premises assessment will be used to produce a Local Asbestos Management Plan (LAMP) which details and records the actions to be undertaken to manage and reduce the risks from asbestos and have a requirement to pass on information about the location and condition of Asbestos Containing Materials to anyone likely to disturb them.

The Head Teacher will seek confirmation of the existence or otherwise of asbestos on site. Should asbestos be known to exist and it cannot be safely left in situ to be monitored, they will consult with and where appropriate employ, specialised asbestos contractors to arrange its safe sealing or removal.

The enforcing authority will be notified of any work involving licensable asbestos at least 14 days prior to the commencement of work, (a lesser time may be agreed by mutual consent).

All staff will be informed that asbestos exists on site and where to refer to the LAMP and ancillary documentation for detailed information should they require it.

Site services staff will be given training, advice and guidance on the likely form that asbestos containing materials may take and how to recognise suspect material.

Any removal of asbestos (whether licensable or not) will be carried out by a specialist contractor strictly following safe systems of work.

No member of staff is permitted to work with or disturb asbestos containing materials; should this be required the school will engage specialist contractors.

3.10 Body Fluids - Cleaning up Body Fluids i.e. Urine, Faeces, Vomit and Blood

The Head Teacher will ensure the following arrangements for body fluids are followed:

• All hazardous products in use for cleaning up body fluids will have a COSHH risk assessment completed.
• Manufacturer’s instructions will be followed when using these products. Should contact with the skin or mucous membranes occur, the area will be immediately irrigated with plenty of water and medical assistance sought as appropriate.
• The use of bleach on site will be managed so that it does not react with other substances when in use (i.e. bleach and other toilet cleaning substances or urine). Bleach will be kept in a locked cupboard that is not readily accessible to all.
• All body fluids will be cleaned up as quickly as possible after spillage.
• Appropriate disposable gloves will be provided and worn.
• To ensure bacteria are removed, any spillage of body fluids will first be cleaned with a detergent. (If spillage kits have been used, detergent to be used following initial clear up of absorbent material).
• Following an initial clean with detergent, any disinfectant such as chlorine, NaDCC granules (Sodium dichloroisocyanurate e.g. Presept, Actichlor) or liquid bleach can be used to clean and disinfect.
• The dilution of the bleach solution depends on the product being used as Chlorine contents vary; the material safety data sheet (MSDS) will be consulted along with the COSHH risk assessment. Solutions will be made up fresh as required.
• Urine spillages will be cleared up using paper towels before washing the area with a detergent solution. NaDCC granules/bleach will NOT be used, as a chemical reaction can take place which gives off a potentially harmful gas.
• Blood spillages will be cleaned up by gently pouring diluted bleach or granules over the blood spill, covered with disposable towels and cleaned up after 2 minutes with more disposable towels. The towels should be disposed of as clinical waste.
• Once the spillage has been completely cleaned, gloves will be removed and suitably disposed of and hands will be thoroughly washed using hot water and detergent.

3.11 Contractor Management

Regulations that cover contractor management for construction and refurbishment projects are covered by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

Stoke Primary School follows the City Council's Contractor's Guidance and will notify its health and safety consultant of all contracts other than routine maintenance and repairs.

Where practicable, all contractors used on site will be registered with Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) or an approved equivalent.

If a contractor that is not registered with SSIP is to be used, the school will undertake a thorough assessment of competence (it is only recommended that non-SSIP approved contractors are used in exceptional circumstance or for non-building related contractors).

Contractors will be issued with a copy of the Coventry City Council Guidance document.

Before work commences, pre-contract meetings will be held between the school and the contractor, with an attendance list and documented minutes being kept.

The school will provide all contractors with relevant information regarding the building such as the local asbestos management plan, asbestos locations, known services, fire and emergency plans, details of first aid provision and accident/assault reporting procedures.

Before commencement of any contract work, a member of the school's staff will complete a contractor induction form with each individual contractor. A Contractor Induction Pack will be issued.

The school and contractor will agree and ensure that there is clear segregation between pupils and contractors or provide adequate supervision to maintain safeguarding standards.

The school will visually monitor works to ensure that work is undertaken safely and will report any concerns to the project/contract manager and the Head Teacher.

If the school is concerned that any works being undertaken appear to be unsafe they will request that works cease until further advice has been sought.

At the end of the works, the project/contract manager must provide the school with relevant documentation relating to the work undertaken e.g. asbestos removal certificates, manufacturers’ instructions/warranties, fixed wiring certificates, schematic diagrams of services, etc.

3.12 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH)

Regulations that cover the control and the safe use of all materials, chemicals and substances, are covered by The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). The Head Teacher will ensure the following arrangements are followed:

• An inventory of all hazardous substances on site is kept and updated regularly
• Wherever possible non-hazardous substances are used and if this is not possible the least harmful substance is used
• A COSHH risk assessment will be completed for all hazardous substances used and shared with relevant staff
• Wherever possible exposure to hazardous substances is prevented, where exposure cannot be prevented, a risk assessment will be carried out and controls measures implemented
• Where identified as part of the risk assessment, appropriate PPE will be provided to staff
• Any need for exposure monitoring or health surveillance will be carried out
• Sufficient information, instruction and training is given to staff to ensure full understanding of the hazards to health posed by substances in the workplace, and the importance of control measures provided
• Training records are maintained for those who receive training
• Information will also be given to others who may be affected, such as contractors, temporary staff and visitors
• Only substances purchased through the schools procurement systems can be used on site
• Substances are stored correctly and those that are no longer used disposed of properly
• COSHH risk assessments are monitored regularly and reviewed annually

Where necessary, the Health and Safety Adviser will assist the school in carrying out the necessary assessments.

3.13 Defect Reporting

The school has a defect reporting procedure whereby any damage or defect to the premises or equipment and furnishings with is reported. Defective equipment is isolated and labelled as defective to prevent use until replaced or repaired. Where premises defects are identified a dynamic assessment is carried out to decide whether an area should be isolated or cordoned off whilst awaiting repair.

3.14 Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Regulations that cover the use of display screen equipment are covered by the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations. The Head Teacher will ensure the following arrangements are followed:

Any employee that uses a computer receives information on health and safety relating to display screen equipment use (see Appendix 3, Workstation Set-Up Diagram and 12 Point Display Screen Equipment Set-Up Plan).

DSE self-assessments covering work regime, workstation equipment, workstation layout and environmental factors are undertaken and documented for:

• all staff that use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work, and
• those who normally use display screen equipment for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time; use it in this way more or less daily; have to transfer information quickly to or from the display screen equipment and also need to apply high levels of attention and concentration.

Actions identified in self-assessments are implemented.

Self-assessments are reviewed regularly, when a new workstation is set up or when a substantial change is made to an existing workstation (or the way it is used).

Self-assessments are repeated if there is a reason to suspect they may no longer be valid e.g. if a user starts complaining of pain or discomfort.

The school ensures training records are maintained.

3.15 Driving and Transport

Stoke Primary School have adopted and implemented Coventry City Council’s Driving Policy. Anyone driving a vehicle must meet the criteria identified within the driving policy.

The Head Teacher must ensure that the following is undertaken:

Use of private vehicles for business use:

• The driver holds the appropriate licence for the vehicle being driven
• The driver is fit to drive the vehicle
• The vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT and is in a roadworthy condition
• The vehicle is insured for business use
• The vehicle is fitted with appropriate safety restraints and child seating for the age and height of the child (where required)
• Safety restraints are worn whilst the vehicle is in motion

Use of minibuses:

• The driver meets the age, licencing and experience criteria for driving minibuses as laid down in section 10 of the driving policy
• The driver is fit to drive the vehicle
• The driver has undertaken the City Council's Defensive Driving or a MIDAS course within the timescales laid down in the driving policy
• The vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT, is adequately insured and is in a roadworthy condition
• The vehicle is maintained and serviced on a regular basis as part of a scheduled maintenance programme and is subject to formal safety inspections
• The vehicle is operated under a Section 19 Permit and the permit disc is present and on display in the vehicle
• A pre-use vehicle check is carried out and recorded for school owned vehicles. Any defects should be rectified. If the defect is unable to be rectified it should not be used
• A record of the vehicle's usage is kept
• The vehicle is fitted with a suitably sized first aid kit and fire extinguisher
• A code of conduct indicating expectations in relation to behaviour is employed and adequate supervision of children is in place to prevent disruption to the driver
• The vehicle is fitted with the correct safety restraints and child seating for the age and height of the child (where required)
• Safety restraints are worn whilst the vehicle is in motion

The school will ensure all driving activities will be risk assessed and that where private vehicles are used for business use:

• The driver holds the appropriate licence for the vehicle being driven.
• The driver is fit to drive the vehicle.
• The vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT and is in a roadworthy condition.
• The vehicle is insured for business use.
• The vehicle is fitted with appropriate safety restraints and child seating for the age and height of the child (where required).
• Safety restraints are worn whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Stoke school recognises that it is an offence to use, cause or permit the driver to use a hand-held mobile phone or other electronic communication devices whilst driving or controlling a vehicle on the road and will instruct staff that:

• Drivers must not respond to calls or messages whilst driving. Calls or other communications must only be returned when safe and legal to do so, i.e. vehicle is stationary and in safe position with engine turned off.
• Hand held radios and mobile phones are not to be used on petrol station forecourts.

All accidents that occur whilst on school business will be reported in accordance with City Council and school accident reporting procedures.

Where staff are involved in an accident they are instructed NOT to admit any liability or responsibility at the scene; to exchange insurance details and notify the Head Teacher as soon as possible; the driver to complete an accident report form as soon as possible whilst the details of the accident are still fresh.

In the event of a vehicle fire, staff are to be instructed to:

• Stop the vehicle in as safe a position as the situation allows
• Get all persons out of the vehicle and move to a safe location
• Contact the emergency services if required
• Only if you feel it is safe to do so without endangering yourself or others, try to put out the fire

3.16 Educational Visits, Learning Outside the Classroom Including School-led Adventure Activities

Stoke Primary School adopts the National Guidance for the Management of Off-site visits and LOtC activities. A specific Educational Visits Policy details local arrangements.

3.17 Electrical Systems and Equipment

Stoke Primary School maintains and services electrical systems and equipment in line with statutory guidance and best practice. Electrical systems (hard wiring) is periodically inspected every 5 years by a competent contractor and records maintained; any remedial works recommended are acted upon in a timely manner.

Portable electric appliances have a portable appliance test (PAT) carried out, in line with HSE guidance 'Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low environments' (INDG236), by a competent contractor with records maintained.

Formal termly workplace inspections are undertaken whereby all equipment is visually inspected. Staff are instructed to undertake a visual inspection of equipment prior to use and not to use any equipment that appears damaged or defective. The School's defect reporting procedure is followed as required.

3.18 First Aid

Stoke Primary School has completed a first aid risk assessment, which has identified the minimum numbers of first aiders, paediatric first aiders and appointed persons required by the school.

The number of first aiders, paediatric first aiders and appointed persons meets recommendations and adequate cover is available to cover for annual leave and unexpected absences.

All first aiders and appointed persons hold a valid certificate of competence, the school maintains a register of all qualified staff and will arrange re-training as necessary.

First Aid notices are clearly displayed around the school.

Sufficient numbers of suitably stocked first aid boxes are available and checked monthly to ensure they are adequately stocked.

A suitable area is available for provision of first aid.

Staff are regularly informed of first aid arrangements within school, through induction, teacher training days and the staff handbook which is issued annually.

Where first aid has been administered this is recorded in the first aid treatment book.

For EYFS pupils, where first aid has been administered this is recorded in the EYFS first aid treatment book and signed off by the parent/carer.

Correct reporting procedures are followed.

Individual risk assessments have been carried out which consider first aid provision for lone workers and employees who travel in works vehicles that carry passengers.

Information, instruction and training will be provided to staff on any specific medical conditions of pupils and the procedures to follow in case of emergency.

3.19 Lettings

All hirers are to be made fully aware of, and are responsible for compliance with, the school’s health and safety policy. Hirers will be instructed that good housekeeping within the school must be maintained and all areas used by the hirer must be left as found. Hirers will be responsible for any damages to the premises, fixtures, fittings and displays of work and are required to have appropriate indemnity insurance in place to cover any losses or damage incurred.

Prior to the initial hire session, the school will ensure that the hirer will meet with the school representative or site services officer who will acquaint the hirer with the following:

• The school’s fire and emergency plan and fire evacuation procedures.
• The location of fire-fighting equipment.
• Accident, incident and assault reporting procedures.
• Arrangements that need to be made for out of hour’s security.

Hirers will be instructed that they must nominate one responsible person to be in charge of proceedings. This nominated person will be responsible for initiating and organising any emergency actions, including:

• Contacting the emergency services, the school representative or site services officer in the event of an emergency. The responsible person must also be in possession of a mobile phone in the event of a communications failure or being unable to access a landline.
• Providing sufficient first aid equipment and qualified first aiders for the people attending their classes/events.
• Informing the Head Teacher of all emergencies at the earliest opportunity ideally no later than the next working day.

Hirers will be instructed that they ensure adequate security controls remain in place during occupancy. Access to the site will only be made via one main entrance to prevent out of hours casual intrusion and a designated representative will be tasked with staffing the main entrance to 'meet and greet' and to register attendees. Internally, areas of the school not used for the letting will be out of bounds. Should intruders be sighted on school premises, hirers are instructed not to attempt to intercept or challenge them, but inform the Emergency Services Unit, Police and Site Manager.

Where the letting of school premises involves the participation of school pupils, the school will require users to prepare and submit, prior to the hiring commencing, and a system of work for the following:

• The safe arrival and departure of pupils to/from the activity.
• Responsibility for transferring pupils from class to the activity and from the activity to parents / guardians.
• The security of pupils during the activity.

Hirers will be instructed not to obstruct the school entrances with vehicles etc. in the event that emergency access to the school is required by emergency services and the entrance to the site or access to fire hydrants remains available.

A strict NO SMOKING policy exists in school buildings and on the school site. Hirers will be instructed that this must be adhered to at all times.

When activities are concluded the Site Manager will be informed in order that the buildings can be secured.

3.20 Moving and Handling

Stoke Primary School will ensure that the legislation surrounding the moving and handling of both persons and inanimate objects as detailed in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations are fully complied with. The Head Teacher will ensure the following arrangements are followed:

Moving and handling is avoided whenever possible.

If it cannot be avoided, moving and handling is properly planned, is risk assessed as appropriate, is carried out by competent staff and carried out in a manner which is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe.

Those undertaking specific moving and handling tasks have received appropriate training or instruction and training records are maintained.

Any equipment provided to assist with moving and handling tasks is maintained and serviced in accordance with statutory requirements.

Any defective equipment is taken out of use until it is repaired or is replaced.

An individual risk assessment will be completed for all new or expectant mothers and staff with identified medical conditions that may be affected by undertaking moving and handling tasks; these may result in some moving and handling task being restricted.

Any accidents resulting from manual handling operations will be investigated to identify root causes and implement additional controls as required.

3.21 Security

The Head Teacher will ensure that standard procedures are in place to minimise risk and that all staff are fully aware of the security arrangements and of their own responsibilities, receiving such training as is necessary to fulfil those responsibilities.

The Head Teacher will ensure parents and older pupils are fully informed of the security arrangements and should be encouraged to help.

The school undertakes an annual review of security risk assessments and undertake regular routine security checks. Advice is obtained from the Health and Safety consultant on security matters and all crimes are reported to the Police and insurers. The Head Teacher reports regularly to the Governing Body.

The Head Teacher is responsible for the security of the premises during the school day; in their absence the Deputy Head Teacher assumes this responsibility.

All staff are made aware of the security procedures and know how to:

• Protect pupils from harm
• Guard against assault
• Safeguard property
• Contact the police/emergency services

New staff are informed of the school’s security arrangements and of their responsibilities before taking up their post.

The Site Manager is responsible for the "hands-on" security of the school, for example unlocking and securing the school site and buildings during the week and pre-arranged out of hours community use.

As children progress through the school, they are made increasingly aware of the security arrangements. They will be encouraged to assist with these when possible. The pupils will be taught about personal safety and social responsibilities.

The Head Teacher will be informed of any special concerns regarding pupils (e.g. pupils on the Child Protection Register/ looked after children/those who may be abducted/ those who may run way and any who are subject to Care Orders) and parents and outside agencies have a responsibility to ensure that this information is shared with the school. Relevant teachers will be informed in confidence, of any pupils who require special care and sensitivity.

The parents of pupils are kept fully informed of security procedures, and of their responsibilities when visiting the school, in the:

• School prospectus
• School newsletter
• Individual letters

Our school values co-operation from the local police and community in assisting security arrangements for the school site and the surrounding area. The school communicates with the local neighbourhood wardens on security matters. Local residents are encouraged to report incidents directly to the police.

The Police are called immediately if there is an incident of a violent, aggressive or abusive nature. The Police will be called immediately when a child goes missing, for example after school.

For further details, reference should be made to the school’s standard procedures and risk assessment for security.

3.22 Statutory Inspections

Stoke Primary School ensures that statutory inspections are undertaken at required intervals for all plant and equipment required. A table detailing required inspections, date of last inspection, date of next inspection and who is undertaking the inspection has been developed and this is monitored at the health and safety committee to ensure on track.

3.23 Stress Management

Stoke Primary School acknowledges that there are many factors both work related and personal that may contribute to staff ill health including stress.

The school will follow the principles of the HSE guidance 'Managing the causes of work-related stress' (HSG 218). The following arrangements are in place to locally manage staff health issues:

• employees are advised that it is their responsibility to inform their line manager, the Head Teacher or another member of the senior leadership team of any ill health issues
• an appropriate senior member of staff will meet and discuss the ill health issues with the employee and consider what actions could be taken to support the staff member and where appropriate assist in reducing stress levels
• the member of staff will be offered a referral to an occupational health professional for advice and support, e.g. counselling, etc.

• the member of staff will be advised that support can also be provided through their trade union
• a series of regular review meetings will be scheduled to monitor ill health and stress levels where they have been identified
• if it is identified that there is a high occurrence of staff ill health or stress within the school, the Head Teacher will actively seek support to undertake a holistic assessment to identify what the possible root cause may be and implement a plan to improve the situation.

3.24 Prevention of Work Related Violence Including Lone Working

The school is committed to providing a safe and secure working and educational environment for staff, pupils and any other persons on its site. Where applicable, in addition to the control measures identified in the site specific violence and assaults risk assessment and lone working risk assessment, the following procedures are in place:

• Staff are advised to:
  • avoid confrontation if possible
  • withdraw from situation
  • arrange seating so that a clear escape route from the room to a place of safety is available. Sit near the door, or use a room with two doors
  • follow measures/ procedures identified in violence and assaults risk assessment
  • contact emergency services, as appropriate.
  • inform the Head Teacher or a member of the senior management team if confrontation has taken place

• Stoke Primary School will:
  • Ensure the Head Teacher or member of the senior management team attends site on being informed of an incident, if considered necessary
  • have in place procedures for the reporting of incidents
  • offer counselling/ support through Occupational Health
  • debrief individuals following any incident
  • provision of training on how to manage conflict and aggression as required
  • review the violence and assaults risk assessment following any incident.

3.25 Water Management (Control of Legionnaire’s disease)

Stoke Primary School will ensure that the legislation surrounding water management as detailed in the CoSHH Regulations and Approved Code of Practice L8 are fully complied with, in particular:

The Head Teacher will ensure that competent persons are engaged to manage the water system and control the spread of legionella bacteria. These persons will be the school SSO and specialist external contractors.

The school will ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out to identify and assess the risk of exposure to Legionella Bacteria from work activities and the water systems on the premises and any necessary precautionary measures.

The assessment will include identification and evaluation of potential sources of risk and the particular means by which exposure to legionella is to be prevented; or if prevention is not reasonable practicable, the particular means by which the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria is controlled.

The risk assessment will be reviewed at least every 2 years and/or when the situation changes or if for any other reason it is believed that the original assessment may no longer be valid.

Where the risk assessment shows that there is a reasonable foreseeable risk and this cannot be totally eliminated, there will be a written scheme for controlling the risk from exposure. This scheme will specify measures to be taken to ensure that it remains effective.

In certain situations safe guards for the prevention of scalding may be in conflict with the controls in place to prevent the proliferation of Legionella and the school ensures that these circumstances are appropriately managed by having thermal mixing valves installed.

The school will ensure that a suitable and sufficient monitoring regime is in place and that records are kept.

3.26 Working at Height

Stoke Primary School uses a variety of access equipment for working at height tasks, ranging from kick stools for short low risk access such as the putting up of a poster, step ladders and ladders for short duration works and mobile tower scaffolds for more complex tasks.

The school will ensure that the legislation surrounding working at height, as detailed in the Working at Height Regulations are fully complied with, in particular:

Work at height is avoided whenever possible.

If working at height cannot be avoided, the task is properly planned, suitably risk assessed, is carried out by competent staff and carried out in a manner which is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe.

Those undertaking work at height have received appropriate instruction or training and training records are maintained.

All access equipment (ladders, step ladders, tower scaffolds etc.) is identified, suitable for the task and inspected regularly, at least annually, in accordance with statutory requirements.

Equipment not displaying the correct inspection label for the year or labelled defective is not used.

3.27 Workplace Inspections

Stoke Primary School recognises the importance of undertaking regular formal workplace inspections to ensure that the premises remain a safe working and educational environment for staff and pupils. A formal termly workplace inspection is undertaken with findings documented and any actions allocated with remedial actions. The termly inspection findings are reviewed with actions monitored for close out at the health and safety committee. It is recognised that termly inspections alone will not keep a premises safe and there is an expectation that staff will report any defects/damage to premises and equipment as per the school's defect reporting procedure.

Related H&S Documents

Specific site arrangements can be found, or may be referenced, in the appendices to this document.