HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOL

Safety Policy

1. Introduction

2. Statement of Intent

3. Employees Responsibilities

4. Organisation

5. Arrangements

6. Appendices

7. Policies

Every member of staff and Governors are initially issued with a copy
of the School’s Safety Policy; in addition a file is kept in the School
Office of other documentation relating to Health and Safety issues
and further information is available on the NCC Web Site. Any
updates to the policy will be notified to staff via the Red Safety Alerts.
HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOL

SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY

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

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

1.3 The means by which the Organisation puts the Safety Policy in practice is
detailed in the ARRANGEMENTS Section which is set out in Section 5 of the
policy. This numbered Section gives a brief summary of the individual content
of each part of this Policy.

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

2. Statement of Intent
2.1 The prime aim of the Authority regarding Health and Safety is to ensure that all
staff and pupils in school have a working and learning environment which is
safe and without risk to health.

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

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

2.4 The school's policy is to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent personal
injury and damage to property and to protect everyone from foreseeable work
hazards including pupils, parents and the public, in so far as they come into
contact with the school whilst it is carrying out its various activities.

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

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

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

c) Make safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and

transportation of articles and substances.
 d) Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to
enable all staff and pupils to recognise and avoid hazards.

e) To provide necessary safety devices and protective clothing.

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

g) To provide a healthy working environment with adequate welfare

facilities and amenities.

h) To establish procedures for dealing with foreseeable emergencies and

incidents.

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

j) To teach all aspects of safety as an integral part of the education and

training of all pupils.

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

Signed: Headteacher

Signed: Chair of Governors

3. Employees Responsibilities
3.1 The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states the following:

3.1.1. Section 7

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

a) To take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves and of
other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

b) As regards any duty or requirement imposed on his/her employer or any

other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-
operate with him/her so far as it is necessary to enable that duty or
requirement to be performed or complied with.

3.1.2 .Section 8

No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything

provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the
relevant statutory provisions.

4. Organisation
4.1 Personal Responsibilities

4.1.1 General

This Section defines the personal responsibilities of each level of employee as

required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Under no
circumstances can employees be absolved from their personal responsibilities
and all employees must make themselves aware of the Safety Policy as
previously detailed.

4.1.2. Education Authority

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

4.1.3. Governors

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

a) Prioritise actions where resources are required.

b) Ensure actions are taken.

c) Include Health and Safety on meeting agendas.

d) Produce an annual Health and Safety report.

4.1.4. Staff

a) Shall co-operate with management to fulfil their responsibilities and

duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

b) Shall accept and be conversant with the contents of all Sections of this
document and other relevant publications issued relating to Health and
Safety.

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

d) Shall report all incidents and damage likely to be reasonably considered

as unsafe conditions to the School Business Manager or Headteacher,
whether persons are injured or not.

e) Will, so far as practical, maintain all equipment provided in good working

order and shall ensure the school is kept clean and tidy (thereby
minimising the risk of an accident).
f) Shall report defects in furniture, equipment and hazards in the school to
the School Business Manager or Headteacher and take such action as
they are able, to render safe any health or safety hazard affecting their
work, other staff, pupils, or members of the public.

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

h) Shall take every reasonable precaution not to injure themselves or others

by their acts or omissions to act.

i) Will attend training courses as required.

j) When undertaking tasks, the nature of which exposes them to possible

hazardous situations, personnel will make full use of protective clothing
and equipment, provided by the school.

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

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

4.1.5. The Headteacher

a) Is ultimately responsible for the application of the school's safety policy

and related matters.

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

(i) by way of regular inspection ensure, as far as is reasonably

practical, that all areas of the school are suitable and safe for the
use to which they are to be put, and that all departments operate
effective safe systems of work.

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

adequately trained/instructed in the function they are expected to
fulfil prior to commencement of their duties. This
training/instruction shall apply equally to all staff whether they be
new employees, transferred posts or temporary workers.

(iii) ensure that responsibility is properly assigned and accepted at all

levels and that, as far as is reasonably practicable, all premises
are maintained in a condition that is safe and without risk to staff
pupils or visitors.
(iv) be responsible for the implementation of the school's Health and
Safety Policies and administer the organisation and monitor the
effectiveness of the arrangements made to implement them.

(v) shall ensure that all personnel are adequately trained and
understand their responsibility for Health and Safety, in order to
 ensure that they can carry out their designated tasks safely and
without risk.

(vi) in liaison with Governors shall review inspection and

accident/incident investigation reports and investigate appropriate
corrective action.

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

4.1.6. The Site Supervisor

a) Shall ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that all areas of the

school are maintained so as to provide a safe environment.

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

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

c) Shall as soon as is practicable, carry out remedial work necessary to

ensure safety and good health, as directed by the Headteacher and
within the remit of his/her job description.

4.2 General Arrangements for Monitoring and Evaluating the Policy

4.2.1 Active

Routine inspections should be carried out once per term using the Inspection
Check Sheet. The inspection team should consist of a minimum of one
Governor, the Site Supervisor and a member of staff (usually the Headteacher
or School Business Manager) and a copy of reports to be presented to
Governors. Notice to be place in Staffroom, by governors, naming those who
will be carrying out the inspection.

After each inspection a report should be completed, detailing any conditions

and/or working practices considered to be unsafe, unsatisfactory or unhealthy.
There will be a Section on the form detailing proposed actions ie Site
Supervisor to rectify; contractor to deal; refer to Governors; refer to Land and
Buildings. A copy of these forms should be filed.

Risk Assessment involves identifying potential hazards and deciding on any

necessary action. Findings should be recorded of significant hazards.

4.2.2 Reactive

Involves investigating incidents, accidents and occupational ill health.

5. Arrangements
 Each of the arrangements listed below contain guidance relating to that
arrangement and make up a section of their own. These arrangements are set
out in the attached statements and should be read in conjunction with this
policy:

1. Information Available (leaflets, booklets etc)

2. Safety of plant, buildings, equipment and their use
3. Safety of staff and pupils (including Safeguarding)
4. Visitors in school
5. Accident and near misses procedures
6. Health Issues
7. Hazardous Substances
8. Security
9. Critical Incident Response
10. Contractors on site
11. Red Alerts

6. Appendices
Current information on many areas of Health and Safety can be found on the
NCC Web Site and, where relevant, this is indicated within each section of the
attached Statements.

6. Policies

Copies of policies related to H & S are:

• School security
• First Aid
• Administration of medication
• Stress
• Educational visits
• Child Protection
• Extended Schools
• Income/Financial Management Handbook
• Information Security
• Acceptable user/ICT/Social networking
•
HIGHAM FERRERS NURSERY AND INFANT SCHOOL

LOCAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (to be read in conjunction with the

School Safety Policy)

1. Information Available

2. Safety of plant, buildings, 2.1 Physical Education

equipment and their use 2.2 Portable Equipment
2.3 Asbestos requirements
2.4 Safety Inspections
3. Safety of staff and pupils 3.1 Fire safety
3.2 Safeguarding children & Safer
Recruitment in Education
3.3 Maintenance of equipment and
records etc
3.4 Lone working
3.5 Violence and aggression
3.6 Supervision and control
3.7 Educational visits
3.8 Out of hours school clubs
3.9 Display Screen equipment
3.10 Risk Assessment
3.11 Stress
3.12 Curriculum Safety
3.13 Playground Play Equipment
3.14 Car safety and traffic

4. Visitors in School 4.1 Work Experience

4.2 Use of Volunteers in School

5. Accidents & near misses 5.1 Accident Reporting & Near Misses
5.2 Staff Training

6. Health Issues 6.1 Children’s health

6.2 Location of details of a confidential
nature
6.3 Dogs
6.4 Insurance

7. Hazardous Substances 7.1 COSHH

7.2 Security of Substances Hazard to
 Health
7.3 Specified task
7.4 Trained personnel
7.5 Disposal
7.6 Protective clothing
8. Security 8.1 Premises
8.2 Key Policy
8.3 CRB/List 99 Checks
8.4 Money and Banking
8.5 Data security
8.6 Gate Locking
9. Critical Incident Response See School Emergency Plan
10. Contractors on Site See NCC Health & Safety Management
Handbook
11. Red Alerts Safety Alerts
STATEMENT NO.1
- Health & Safety Information Available to staff

Staff have access to the following information:

• Guidance for staff on Child Protection – Child Protection Manual.

• CRB – information pertaining to Staff and visitor CRB checks.

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

• Leaflets available Stress at Work

Safety Policy '97
Basic advice on first aid at work
Use of ladders
Substance use and misuse
Display screen equipment

• NCC – Key Health & Safety Guidance for School Site Staff

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

STATEMENT NO.2
- Safety Inspections:

The governing body to ensure that:

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

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

2.3 Asbestos register is maintained and available for contractors use.

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

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

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

All inspections must be logged.

STATEMENT NO.3
- Safety of staff and pupils:

3.1 Fire Evacuation and Alarm Procedures

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

3.2 Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education

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

3.3 Maintenance of Equipment and Records

Ensure that:

• Extinguishers are checked annually by contractors.

• Fire exits are clearly marked.

• Extinguishers are clearly identified.

• All store doors are kept shut and locked as appropriate.

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

• External doors are kept clear at all times.

• Escape Lighting is maintained.

• The fire alarm system is checked annually by a contractor and weekly by

Site Supervisor.
(For current standards see the “Fire Precautions Log Book” held in School
Business Managers office)

3.4 Lone Working

Introduction
 Working alone is not the subject of any general prohibition in health and safety
law. However, in determining the arrangements necessary to ensure a safe
workplace, it is likely that solitary or remote workers have additional needs
which must be addressed.

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

3.4.1 Definition of Lone Worker

Legal Position
There is no general prohibition on working alone but in certain specialised
circumstances legislation specifies work which requires more than one person
to carry them out safely, eg:

• Entry into confined spaces.

• Certain ladder work.
• Certain use of dangerous machinery.
• Certain work with hazardous chemicals.

3.4.2 Management Responsibilities

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

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

The headteacher should ensure the provision of any necessary training support
and advice needed to ensure that those nominated are familiar with risk
assessment techniques.

3.4.3 Line Managers

Managers will ensure that risk assessments are completed for all lone workers
under their control.
In particular, the risk assessment process should consult those personnel
involved in the work activity, together with their accredited Health and Safety
Representative if appropriate.

Consultation should be made to the headteacher to establish if a Generic Risk

Assessment has already been completed.

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

(a) Ability of employee to conduct task/work.

(b) Suitability of equipment and protective clothing.
(c) The provision of communication equipment.
(d) The adequate provision of first aid equipment.
 (e) Emergency and accident procedures.
(f) The remoteness or isolation of the workplace.
(g) The possibility of interference such as violence or criminal activity by
other persons.
(h) The nature and injury to health and anticipated "worst case" scenario.

Where necessary and following an assessment, a safe system of work may

need to be developed and the results recorded and communicated to all
applicable personnel.

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

Risk assessments and control measures must be current and refreshed to

reflect significant changes in areas such as task, individual and environment.

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

3.5 Violence and Aggression

3.5.1 Recording incidents of violence and aggression to staff

A Northamptonshire County Council staff accident/incident report form should

be completed, whether or not a physical injury has been sustained.
(For further information see NCC Guidance)

3.6 Supervision and Control – First Aid Procedures

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

1. Minor injuries - children to be sent in to a first aider.

2. No child should be left unsupervised after an accident as there may be
underlying injuries especially of concern is head injuries.
3. For all injuries - assess, consult First Aider if necessary. Record
accidents in Accident Report Book and complete a red bumped head
letter (where appropriate) that is sent home to parents.
4. The school’s policies ‘on First Aid and Administration of medication’ must
be adhered to.

3.7 Off Premise Visits

See separate ‘ Educational Visits Policy’
3.8 Out of Hours School Clubs

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

See Extended Schools policy

3.9 Display Screen Equipment

An annual assessment to be carried out on all “users” as defined in the NCC
Guidance on Health & Safety.

3.10 Risk Assessment

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

3.11 Stress
For information see NCC Guidance)

3.12 Curriculum Safety

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

3.13 Playgound Play Equipment

Refer to Risk Assessment for Playground Play Equipment.

3.14 Car safety and Traffic

Ensure that:

• Children and parents reminded regularly about road safety.

• Liaison is maintained with the Police and PCSO’s about traffic issues if necessary.

• Speed on school premises is limited to 5mph.

STATEMENT NO.4
- Visitors in School

4.1 Work Experience

(For further information see NCC Guidance)

4.2 Use of Volunteers in School

(For further information see NCC Guidance and the school’s Volunteers policy)

STATEMENT NO.5
- Accident Reporting and Near Misses

5.1 Accident Reporting and Near Misses

(For full information see NCC Guidance)

5.2 Staff Training

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

STATEMENT NO.6
- Health issues

6.1 Children's Health

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

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

• 'Health Advice for Children' folder available in Office.

• The school’s policy is that medicine is not administered to children by school
staff. Teachers are not responsible for the care of medicines or their
administration except for asthma inhalers and diabetic glucose or in other
exceptional circumstances. Parents or a named adult are invited to give
medicines when required. With written parental consent children are permitted
to administer their own medication.

(Full information can be seen in NCC Guidance)

6.2 Location of details of a confidential nature

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

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

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

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

6.4 Certificate of Employers' Liability Insurance

A current copy is displayed in the Staffroom.

STATEMENT NO 7
- Hazardous Substances

7.1 The Site Supervisor has and maintains a COSHH file on hazardous substances.

7.2 All hazardous substances are kept under lock and key.

7.3 Hazardous substances are only acquired if essential for a specified task.

7.4 Personnel, if required, can use hazardous substances if they have been trained
in the safe handling and use by the Site Supervisor or other qualified personnel.

7.5 Disposal - any unused materials must be disposed of safely with due regard for
environmental protection.

7.6 Protective clothing - suitable protective clothing must be provided by the school
and used by staff.

(For further information see NCC Guidance)

STATEMENT N0.8
- Security

8.1 Premises
• External lighting comes on at dusk.

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

• Vulnerable external doors are locked during the school day but egress is
accessible internally.

• Security access control fitted to main front door.

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

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

• Anyone in school, who is not recognised and not wearing a badge, is politely
challenged.

• Occasional use of the school hall as a place of entertainment

Also see School Security Policy.

8.2 Key Policy

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

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

3. Security code numbers are changed accordingly by the Site Supervisor/School

Business Manager/Alarm Company.

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

8.3 CRB/List 99 Checks

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

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

3. A comprehensive register is kept of all List 99 and CRB data (SCR – Single
Central Record).
 Refer to Child Protection Policy

8.4 Money/Banking
1. See Income policy and School Financial Management Handbook

8.5 Data Security

1. See Information Security Policy.

8.6 Times and Arrangements for Gate locking

AM Opened 06.45
Locked 09.00

PM Opened 14.45
Locked 15.25

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

2. Emergency school closure

STATEMENT NO.9
- Critical Incident Response

For Critical Incident information refer to:

• The School Emergency Plan.

• The statement issued by Northamptonshire County Council Emergency Planning
– Major Incidents Procedures.
• The Northamptonshire County Council booklet “Critical Incidents Affecting
Schools – Guidelines for Action by Staff and Governing Bodies.”
STATEMENT NO.10
- Contractors on Site

All contractors who visit the site must have their ID checked and a school identification
badge must be provided by office staff.

See also Security Policy and “NCC Health & Safety Management Handbook” for
information and guidance.
STATEMENT NO.11
- Red Alerts

All information will be cascaded to staff by the means of a Red Alert Notification
displayed on the staff notice board and all staff to sign that they have noted the action
contained in them.

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