This policy statement is the local supplement to Gloucestershire County Council Corporate Health & Safety Policy Document which as a maintained school Queen Margaret Primary School fall under.
The school’s Governing Body and Headteacher recognise and accept their responsibilities both under law and also under Gloucestershire County Council delegation for local management of schools. As responsible employers and/or persons in control of premises, the requirement to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and others affected by its activities is acknowledged.
The school is committed to managing risks by ensuring that risk assessments are undertaken, control measures implemented and systems are continuously monitored and reviewed led by the school’s Governing Body and Headteacher.
In particular the Governing Body and Headteacher are responsible for:
In addition to the above commitment, the Governing Body and Headteacher also recognise their obligations to non-employees and provide trainees, members of the public, pupils, contractors, etc, or anyone who is or may be affected by the schools activities with the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision available to ensure the safety of those affected.
The Governing Body and Headteacher will ensure adequate resources, including finance to implement the Policy.
The Governing Body and Headteacher are committed to the arrangements stated in this Policy Document and all members of staff are required to comply. They are encouraged to support the Governing Body and Headteachers commitment to continuous improvement in the schools health and safety performance. For the Policy Document to be effectively implemented, the school requires the full co-operation of employees and others who use the premises.
This Policy Statement and the accompanying organisation and arrangements will be reviewed at least annually and revised as and when necessary.
This Policy Statement, together with the organisational structure and the following arrangements and procedures, has been approved by the school’s Governing Body.
| Signed: | Signed: |
| Headteacher’s name: Sara Bennion | Chair of Governors’ name:
Emily Bytheway |
| Date: September 2022 | Date: September 2022 |
In order to achieve compliance with the Governing Body and Headteacher’s Statement of Intent the school’s normal management structure will have additional responsibilities assigned to them as detailed in this part of this H&S Policy Document.
The Governing body has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this H&S Policy Document. In consultation with the Headteacher the Governors will ensure that there are effective and enforceable arrangements for the provision of health and safety throughout the school, periodically assessing the effectiveness of this document ensuring that any necessary revisions are made to determine the policy and monitor its implementation.
The Headteacher has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring compliance with this H&S Policy Document. In consultation with the Governors the Headteacher will ensure that there are effective and enforceable arrangements for the provision of health and safety throughout the school, periodically assessing the effectiveness of this document ensuring that any necessary revisions are made to determine the policy and monitor its implementation. The Headteacher will maintain the profile of health and safety within the school by the development of safe working practices and conditions and will ensure that health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
All employees have individual legal responsibilities to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and for others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, and must comply with the school’s Health & Safety Policy Document and procedures at all times, co-operate with school management in complying with relevant health and safety law, use all work equipment and substances in accordance with instruction, training and information received, report to their immediate line manager any hazardous situations and defects in equipment found in their work places, report all incidents in line with current incident reporting procedure, act in accordance with any specific health and safety training received, inform their line manager of what they consider to be shortcomings in the school’s health and safety arrangements and exercise good standards of housekeeping and cleanliness.
Pupils, in accordance with their age and aptitude, are expected to exercise personal responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and others, observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene, observe all the health and safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of staff given in an emergency, use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with anything provided for their health and safety.
The Governing Body and Headteacher recognise the role of Safety Representatives who may be appointed by a recognised Trade Union. Safety Representatives will be allowed to investigate accidents and potential hazards, pursue employee complaints and carry out school inspections within directed time but, wherever practicable, outside teaching time. Safety Representatives are entitled to certain information, e.g. information relating to accidents, and to paid time away from the workplace to train for and carry out their health and safety functions. (However representatives are not part of the management structure and do not carry out duties on behalf of the Headteacher or Governing Body).
Temporary employees are provided with information and guidance which includes the Health & Safety Policy Document, fire and emergency procedures etc. and are suitably inducted to their role. They are directly accountable to the Headteacher whilst on the school site.
Teaching staff have a day to day responsibility for ensuring compliance with this Health & Safety Policy Document and ensuring all persons under their control are aware of the general health and safety requirements of the school and the detailed requirements for activities relevant to them. Teachers are responsible for the immediate safety of the pupils in his/her classroom. Nominated teachers are responsible for their own classroom and associated equipment and as such it is their responsibility to ensure that it is maintained to a high standard with respect to health and safety issues.
Teaching /Partners have a day to day responsibility for ensuring compliance with this Health & Safety Policy Document and are immediately accountable to the teacher in charge whilst the class is in session.
The Offsite Visit Coordinator (OVC) ensures that standards for off-site activities and educational visits are followed. The OVC works with trip leaders to ensure the aim of the educational visit is achievable and in line with those of the school. The school refers to the Off-Site Visits Manual on the SHE webpages.
The School Caretaker has a day to day responsibility for ensuring compliance with the school Health & Safety Policy Document and taking effective action and/or immediately referring to the Headteacher any health and safety issues brought to their attention, this includes the stopping of any practices or the use of any tools, equipment etc which are considered unsafe
Volunteer and parent helpers are provided with information and guidance which includes health and safety, fire and emergency procedures etc. Volunteer and parent helpers are directly accountable to the teacher in charge whilst on the school site.
The school recognises the importance of consulting with employees on health and safety matters. This is achieved by communication with staff annually about any changes and reminders given as well as any suggestions. Immediate suggestions can be given to the Headteacher at any time
Hazardous Substances (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health CoSHH)
Where hazardous substances are used risk assessments are undertaken and a hierarchy of control measures adopted which seeks to eliminate or substitute the substance concerned. Safety data sheets are used for hazardous materials.
The school manages the risk of lone working by:
The school is aware of its responsibility for assessing the risks of noise and where noise is identified as a significant risk the school ensures appropriate control measures are put in place. Generally noise risk is managed by keeping the dose (exposure time) low. Contractors use their own equipment.
Caretaker is supplied with ear defenders for excess noise from machinery and any other safety equipment that is required.
The need for PPE as a control measure is assessed on the basis of risk assessment and CoSHH assessments. Where it is assessed that PPE is required, PPE is appropriately selected and provided. A record is held which includes details of any expiry dates to ensure equipment is replaced as and when necessary. Employees are responsible for ensuring that they use PPE where it is provided and protective equipment is provided by QMPS where necessary
a risk assessment is secured for all visits. Appropriate levels of supervision are sought with at one member of staff being First Aid Trained. Children are allocated a specific adult for the visit and they are responsible for checking the safety of their group. Overall responsibility for the health and safety of children and other adults lies with the visit leader (usually the class teacher) )
School Transport ( not applicable)
Risks to security of the premises and property are assessed through the risk assessment process and appropriate control measures implemented. This is achieved by means such as:
To minimise risk from asbestos containing materials on the school site, the school maintains a safe and healthy environment by:
Caretaking and Grounds Maintenance (and grounds safety)
The school identifies risks associated with caretaking and grounds maintenance and identifies the risks through the risk assessment process using the SHE/GN/46 Caretaking Duties Risk Assessment Toolkit. Grounds Maintenance is carried out by Approved Contractors (currently Countrywide Grounds Maintenance) The caretaker has a good level of communication with the site team
Any necessary work and testing of gas and electrical appliances is carried out by qualified, accredited contractors. Gas and electrical appliances are subject to appropriate formal inspection.
A risk assessment has been carried out for all glazing on site to ensure it complies with current safety standards. All low level glazing (below 800mm), such as glazing in doors and high risk glazing such as glazing within PE departments is toughened, laminated glass and complies with ACoP/British Standard or has been fitted with safety film. There is a system in place to ensure all broken glazing is reported through a known procedure and that the area is made safe immediately and repairs carried out as soon as possible. Glazing is also assessed during a regular site inspection.
The school follows Asset Management & Property Services (AMPS) guidance and casual hiring agreement form. The school ensures that the hirer/tenant has public liability insurance in place in order to indemnify the school from all such hirers’/tenants’ claims arising from negligence. If any part of the school is let, the Headteacher is satisfied via the agreement that the hiring organisation will use the premises in a safe manner. A signed, written letting agreement is completed and copies are kept and a risk assessment has been undertaken.
Mechanical and Electrical (fixed and portable)
The school takes appropriate measures to make sure that all electrical equipment is safe and suitable for the purpose intended. All relevant persons are made aware of the associated hazards and of the requirements to adopt working procedures designed to keep the risks to their health, and to the health of any other person, as low as reasonably achievable.
Persons carrying out the testing and/or repair of electrical equipment, or carrying out experimental work on electrical equipment or its associated connections have the appropriate technical knowledge, training and information to enable them to work safely. Results of electrical safety tests (PAT testing and fixed wiring inspections) are recorded and held in the school office.
Our Portable Appliance Testing is carried out annually, as required by AMPS, using an Approved Contractor. The Fixed Wiring Periodic Test and Inspection is carried out every 5 years, as required by AMPS, by an Approved Contractor. Quotes are obtained from 3 contractors.
The school inspects and maintains its equipment on a regular basis; however the frequency of these inspections is much dependant on the use and type of equipment. Guidance issued by Asset Management & Property Services (AMPS) on servicing, testing and inspection is followed and records are kept.
Adequate arrangements are in place to minimise the risks from snow and ice on the site e.g. access/egress routes. A risk assessment has been carried out and an emergency plan has been developed to determine what action needs to be undertaken during adverse weather conditions e.g. which specific routes are gritted. There is suitable storage for salt/grit and tools (such as wheeled grit spreader) on site and a sufficient supply of grit/salt is available.
Results are shared at regular health and Safety meetings with SLT
The school accommodates pupils with medical needs wherever practicable and makes reference to DfE circular – Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs in School which sets out the legal framework for the health and safety of pupils and employees. Responsibility for pupils’ safety is clearly defined within individual care plans where necessary and each person involved with pupils with medical needs is aware of what is expected of them. Close cooperation between schools, parents, health professionals and other agencies help provide a suitably supportive environment for those pupils with special needs.
The school accommodates pupils with medical needs wherever practicable and makes reference to DfE Guidance Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings. Parents have prime responsibility for their child’s health and provide the school with information about their child’s medical condition. Parents obtain details from their child’s General
Practitioner (GP) or paediatrician, if needed. The school nurse and specialist voluntary bodies provide additional background information for employees.
An Emergency/Business Continuity Plan is in place that provides a framework for foreseeable events (bad weather, flooding, loss of part of the building). The plan encompasses practical steps including communication with parents, the local authority, insurers, emergency services, utilities, aid organisations (e.g. counselling) and the press. A team is in place (SBM/SLT/) to act as the decision-making body for the management of any incident. All necessary equipment is available for rapid activation during an emergency which includes communications equipment, emergency plans and procedures, a log to record all actions taken during the emergency, necessary office equipment and supplies and appropriate building plans.. The emergency plan is reviewed periodically and after any practice emergency exercise or real emergency. If deficiencies are found remedial action is taken.
Specific details such as when the alarm is tested, the location of the assembly point, where records are held can be recorded here as this document refers to your premises.
Sara Bennion Debs McDermott Lucy Goddard Karen Brixey Debbie Harris
The school has a First Aid Policy which is reviewed annually
The school follows the guidance produced by Public health England, which is summarised on the poster ‘Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and other Child Care Settings’ and the Public Health England booklet ‘The Spotty Book’.
The school is a no smoking site and visitors and contractors are required to conform to this status.
As a means of confirming that the necessary systems to comply with legislation are in place and are being followed the school ensures a complete health and safety audit by competent persons. The action points identified through the audit form part of the school development plan. The school holds regular meetings (every half term) to check action plans and ensure compliance.
Local inspections are a valuable way to check on unsafe acts/ unsafe conditions.
This comes through the half termly meetings which are minuted and minutes shared with all members.
the Governing Body review all relevant new polices ( reports such as safety audits, workplace inspections etc)
Employee Health and Safety Training/Competence
The school is committed to ensure employees are competent to undertake the roles expected of them. The Headteacher undertake a training needs analysis to identify the competency requirements of specific job roles in terms of health and safety, and ensure that appropriate training is delivered and training records held centrally. The training need analysis is reviewed on an annual basis or on the introduction of new legislation. Line managers conducting the performance management process consider health and safety performance and address areas of concern with employees.
The school’s expectations are made clear to any supply and student teacher through the provision of Supply/Student Teacher/Staff Handbook. Teachers on supply and student teachers are given a copy of the Staff Handbook, Health & Safety Policy Document and other relevant material. The Headteacher/ Deputy Headteacher is responsible for liaising with the supply/student teacher on general school organisation and routines. When supply and student teachers attend the school to cover for staff absence at short notice the Headteacher/responsible person gives guidance on the work to be covered.
Volunteer and parent helpers are subject to the schools safeguarding arrangements. Volunteers receive an induction from the designated teacher for child protection and general health and safety and are expected to wear a visitors badge at all times and follow the school procedures. The teacher is the principal point of contact and volunteers are under his/her direction. Conversations and any documentation to which volunteer/parent helpers may have access are strictly confidential and are treated as such.
The school fulfils its waste management responsibilities by:
Health and safety advice is obtained from Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) 01452 425350 [email protected] www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/she
