ST THERESE OF LISIEUX CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Health and Safety Policy

ST THERESE OF LISIEUX CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Health and Safety Policy

St Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Primary School Health and Safety Policy Date Review Date Responsible Persons January 2017 Spring 2018 C.Stott Introduction Statement of Intent Health and safety is an important consideration for our school. We will take all reasonable steps to provide a safe and caring environment for children, staff and our visitors. All personal data/information maintained in this respect will be held in the strictest confidence in line with relevant legislation. The school will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that: 1 plant, equipment and systems of work are safe and without risks to health. 2 the handling, storage or transport of articles and substances will be safe and without risk to health. 3 information, instruction, training and supervision will be provided as necessary, to ensure the health and safety of employees, and those who are affected by the work of the school. 4 the site is maintained in a safe condition and without risks to health. 5 access to and egress from the site is maintained in a condition that is safe and without risks to health. 6 a working environment is provided that is safe and without risks to health. 7. there are adequate arrangements for staff welfare at work and the welfare of pupils and other visitors.

Governors Responsibilities The School governors will ensure that: the Head Teacher produces a school H&S policy for approval by the Resources committee of the governing body and that this policy is regularly reviewed; risk assessments of work activities are undertaken and a written record of the assessments kept; sufficient funding is allocated for health and safety, e.g. in respect of training, personal protective clothing etc; regular safety inspections are undertaken; a positive H&S culture is established and maintained Headteacher Responsibilities (The Headteacher is the day-to-day manager of the site and is responsible for H&S on that basis.) The Head Teacher will ensure that: a school H&S policy is produced for approval by the Resources committee of the governing body and that the policy is regularly reviewed and revised as necessary; risk assessments of work activities are undertaken, that a written record of the assessments is kept and that the assessments are reviewed regularly and when they are no longer felt to be valid. safe systems of work identified via risk assessment or to comply with national standards/ guidance, are monitored to ensure they are followed and effective; information and advice on H&S is acted upon/circulated to staff and governors. a regular safety inspection is undertaken; an annual report is provided to the school governors on health and safety; he/she cooperates with the Council in meeting its legal requirements in respect of the monitoring of health and safety practice and procedures; staff are competent to undertake the tasks required of them and that they have been provided with any necessary training, equipment or other resources to enable the task to be undertaken safely safe systems of work identified via risk assessment or to comply with national standards/

guidance, are monitored to ensure they are followed and effective; information and advice on H&S is acted upon/circulated to staff and governors. a regular safety inspection is undertaken; an annual report is provided to the school governors on health and safety; he/she cooperates with the Council in meeting its legal requirements in respect of the monitoring of health and safety practice and procedures; staff are competent to undertake the tasks required of them and that they have been provided with any necessary training, equipment or other resources to enable the task to be undertakensafely; iif he/she delegates H&S duties to an individual, normally referred to as the H&S Coordinator, he/she ensures that the duties are clearly defined, the person is competent to carry them out and that sufficient resources are allocated to enable them to be carried out. Leadership Team (Health and Safety Representative) Responsibilities to investigate hazards reported to investigate complaints to make representation to governors about problems to carry out termly inspections and produce a brief written report to receive information from inspectors and ensure it is acted upon to disseminate Health and Safety information as it arrives in school to ensure teachers complete COSHH assessments on substances brought into school and harmful substances ordered for classroom use (excluding cleaning or other chemicals ordered for general use in school) to keep a termly check that the caretaker has up to date COSHH assessments on cleaning and other chemicals used by himself and/or the cleaning team All Staff have a responsibility to: check that areas are safe before commencing an activity check equipment is safe to use ensure that safe procedures are followed use protective equipment as required inform DHT of any additional substances brought into school make periodic safety checks of their classroom area remove obstacles from fire exit routes

highlight activities/practices which may require a RISK Assessment report all accidents or near miss situations to DHT encourage pupils and visitors to understand and comply with the school s Health and Safety Rules (which should be clearly displayed in classrooms) compile Risk Assessments for classrooms and pupils and visits where required. All teachers have a copy of the Health and Safety Rules in their classroom. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that Classroom assistants, helpers and visitors are aware of Health and Safety Rules. In addition the Steps to Safety are taught termly to all children and are displayed in classes. General Health and Safety Arrangements Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the school site. When contractors are on site they are expected to follow school safety procedure. The Caretaker, School administrator/business Manager or Headteacher will liase with contractors as appropriate. A yearly check will be carried out by the Caretaker and the health and safety representative to monitor the upkeep of buildings and grounds. The governors agree to appropriate training for staff in relation to health and safety. All new staff and visiting staff, as part of their induction programme, will be advised on safety procedures and associated contingency plans. The Caretaker has attended training on Health & Safety, asbestos awareness, emergency planning procedures and control of contractors. Monitoring and Review of Health and Safety Arrangements The yearly check will be used to prioritise need and to inform planning.

All staff will carry out monitoring on a day to day basis. The Caretaker will monitor school grounds and premises daily. Monitoring by governors will be via the Resources Committee and the Headteacher's Report. The policy will be reviewed every two years. Equipment Any equipment in school should be used safely and for its intended purpose only. Equipment identified as defective should be taken out of use immediately and labelled accordingly. Admin staff should be informed immediately in order that arrangements for repairs or replacement can be made swiftly. No second hand equipment must be introduced to school without the agreement of the Headteacher. Electrical equipment will be tested regularly in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Local Authority policy. Plugs and leads will be visually checked regularly. Electrical sockets should be switched off before a plug is removed. Fire fighting equipment and alarm systems are maintained via annual contract. Hazardous substances, such as cleaning materials, etc., are kept locked in appropriate storage areas. Curriculum - Use of Resources We follow appropriate safety guidelines with regard to science, ICT, technology, art and PE. All resources are checked regularly and disposed of suitably if no longer fit for purpose

PHYSICAL EDUCATION The children are taught to carry apparatus safely and will be supervised when performing this task. All children are expected to use the apparatus in a safe and sensible manner. Teachers train children to work quietly and to concentrate during their activities. Mats are placed to indicate safe landing areas and should, therefore, be placed very carefully under the close supervision of the teacher. Teachers must be present when the wall bars are being put away and when apparatus is being replaced in the PE cupboard. Teachers must always be present to supervise PE activities and where an outside coach, student or parent is teaching the children, the class teacher must remain at close quarters. All pupils using swimming facilities are taught safe procedures and are expected to follow these Clothing All children will change into suitable clothing for the activity in which they will participate -details of PE uniform are listed in the school handbook and on the school website. Teachers should, where possible, change into appropriate clothing for PE sessions. This sets a good example to children and allows a greater degree of manoeuvrability for demonstrating skills, or accessibility to a child should an accident occur. Jewellery Pupils are asked to leave all jewellery at home, as this is seen as a hazard to young children in school. Children with pierced ears need to wear earrings for about six weeks until the holes are formed so parents and children are reminded this should only happen at the beginning of the summer holiday. If necessary, children must cover earrings with plasters and they should be provided from home during this time. However we will not permit the use of plasters to cover

earrings for longer than is necessary and children will be asked to remove earrings after the six week period. If a child forgets to remove jewellery before coming to school, he/she will be asked to remove it and place it in his/her class tray until home time. If this is not possible the child will be given plasters to cover the earrings as a one off until parents can remove them. The school can take no responsibility for loss of jewellery personal possessions brought to school. HOME VISITS When nursery staff make home visits, they should do so in twos. A record of the visit should be left with the secretary prior to the visit and should include the address and telephone number of the home to be visited and expected time of arrival and return. Any other members of staff leaving the building to make visits or for any other work related reason should give the same information to the secretary. If staff do not arrive within the expected time, the secretary should make relevant enquiries. Lifting and Moving Each child should be taught how to lift and move equipment. Techniques should be revised at least each year with your new class. Children should be stationed at the corners of each piece of equipment. A leader of the group says when the lift should start. General Safety School Building Access In order to improve safety for everyone in school, measures have been taken to restrict access into the school building. Children may use the two entrances for KS1 and KS2. Doors are opened at 8.20am and locked at 8.30 am and after this time visitors or late arrivals should enter via the main entrance. All visitors must report to the school office and sign the visitor's book where they will be issued with a

visitor's badge. All visitors must sign out when leaving the school building. Any adults on site who do not work in the school and who are not wearing a visitors badge must be reported to the school office. The school has a gate which is locked and can only be accessed via an intercom this is open at drop off and collection times. In addition, the main entrance is locked, allowing access on request from the school office, via an intercom. All staff are aware that the children s safety must come first. Classroom external doors should be kept locked unless the heat becomes too uncomfortable even with blinds closed. Outside learning opportunities are often maximised to enhance the curriculum and pupils are encouraged to work in the outside work areas at the front of the school (mainly in summer months). On such occasions children must be very closely supervised by an adult. All visitors, including all parents, must use the main entrance and all staff are responsible for the regular unlocking and locking of the cloakroom doors at the beginning and end of break times. Vehicles Parents are requested not to bring their cars onto the school site unless using disabled parking bay. Staff cars should be parked in the marked bays. Other areas should remain clear. Delivery vehicles are expected to use the delivery area near to the kitchen entrance. Wherever possible deliveries should be made once the children are safely in the building or before they arrive or after they leave at the end of a day. Other trade vehicles should park safely and not block doorways, disabled parking or delivery areas.

Parents are often reminded about vehicle safety around the school environment through regular e mails and notices. Lone Working All staff should avoid lone working wherever possible by arranging for a colleague to also be on site. Fire doors must be unlocked when staff are working on the premises, e.g. out of school hours. Security lights are present in the car park. When two or more people work late they should try to leave the building together. Cars should be parked as close to the access doors as possible. If staff are on site alone then mobile phones should be on hand to use in case of emergency. Key Holder Safety during Call Outs Key holders on call out should be mindful of their own safety. If the police have left the premises a key holder can contact the police and request that they return before entering the building. Key holders should lock themselves in. Before leaving the key holder should ensure that the school is secure and the alarm re-set.

Fire Safety The school will provide a safe and healthy working environment with respect to fire safety. FIRE DRILL or other Emergency Procedures Staff are made aware of the need to be vigilant in ensuring that potential fire hazards are kept under control, thus decreasing the risk of fire. All staff are made aware of their responsibilities in clearing and checking their areas in the event of the fire alarm. During lunchtime supervisors are responsible for the evacuation of the building with support from the Leadership Team or the teacher left in charge. If a person becomes aware of fire in the school building, he/she should follow the instructions listed on the Action Fire Notice which is displayed next to the fire extinguishers which can be found in each area of the school (see appendix - school plan of fire equipment). All external classroom doors are fire doors and should be clear of any obstacles. Any problems with fire doors or their locks must be reported to the headteacher/caretaker immediately in order that remedial action may quickly follow. Alternative fire exit routes should be known to the staff but would usually require the class passing through the dividing doors to the adjoining classroom and leaving by its fire door. All teachers and pupils take part in a fire drill each term. (Please refer to appendix Fire Drill.) The school administrator rings the appropriate authority to give advance warning of the fire drill. On hearing the bell, teachers ask children to move quickly and calmly to the evacuation point. Teachers should ensure that internal and external classroom doors are closed behind them. The Deputy checks the library, KS2 toilets and KS2 cloakroom area and the Reception teacher checks the KS1 cloakroom area and toilets. The evacuation point is at the far end of the playground opposite the offices. The Nursery evacuation point is the far side of their own playground area. The Headteacher and school administrator (Catherine Stott/Christine Hicks ) who is the named Fire Marshall distributes registers to teachers at the evacuation point. The Headteacher stops the fire bell when the classes have evacuated the building and checks with teachers to ensure all pupils are present if marked in the register. In addition the Headteacher checks all members of staff are present. Pupils are

expected to raise their hand and answer their names. Teachers are expected to do a head count as a double check. The fire drill procedure is displayed prominently around school and in every classroom. Evacuation Procedures Evacuation procedures, detailed are practised termly and reviewed annually or more regularly if appropriate. Supervision of Children School Hours: Key Stage One Morning Session 8.30 a.m. 11.55 noon Morning Break 10.15 a.m 10.30 am Afternoon Session 12.55 p.m. 2.45 p.m. Key Stage Two Morning Session 8.30 a.m. 12.05 p.m. Morning Break 10.15a.m. 11.00a.m. Afternoon session 1.00 pm 2.45 pm. Children should not arrive at school before 8.15a.m. or after 8.30 a.m. Office Hours The school office is open during school hours, during lunch times the office is supervised and the phone is diverted to the staffroom Duties (See school handbook for further information) A member of staff is present at the KS1 and KS2 door at 8.20 every morning to greet the children as they enter school and receive any important messages from parents. At 2.45 p.m. the class teachers supervise the children leaving school.

At break times at least two members of staff are on duty. Staff should return to their classrooms in time for lessons to resume. All members of staff are responsible for making sure that their classroom is clear of children. Lunch-time Supervision see Lunchtime Supervision Policy All staff have a collective responsibility at all times and should speak to children and support the supervisory staff whenever the need arises. Any children working in classrooms or activity areas must be supervised by a class teacher. All members of staff have are required to have a walkie talkie with them in the playground in order to alert each other if they require assistance or an immediate response. First Aid Health and Accidents to Children or Staff Please see First Aid Policy and Medications Policy PUPILS All accidents to pupils involving injury are to be recorded. This will initially be by using the standard sheets in the school pupil accident book, which is kept in the main office/playground first aid boxes Reportable incidents are any fatality, any major injury, which is a break/fracture of any bone with the exception of a toe or finger and any injury where the student is taken direct from site to hospital, whether by ambulance, member of staff or relative. STAFF An accident/incident form is available to note relevant detail where there is likely to be a delay in inputting information.all accidents to pupils involving injury are to be recorded. VISITORS All accidents to visitors other than pupils are to be recorded. An accident/incident form is available to note relevant deta.

NEAR MISS INCIDENTS For any near miss incident, which is an incident with the potential to have caused injury to a person or damage to property, an accident/incident form is to be completed. The form will be sent to the H&S Coordinator who will then decide if it needs to be forwarded to the Schools H&S Unit. This will be the case for any major structural collapse, any explosion or any fire which causes the closure of a room or more. BEHAVIOUR INCIDENTS These include violence, bullying and harassment and are to be recorded by immediately inputting information on to the Incident reporting system. ASBESTOS The school Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) is kept by the Caretaker and held in the office. Any major work planned and any work involving access to roof voids, demolition, or drilling into ceilings/floors/walls must be approved in advance to ensure asbestos is not likely to be disturbed. NB All staff are advised that asbestos containing materials in school are only labelled in places where pupils do not have access so always check before pinning, drilling or otherwise potentially damaging walls, CONTRACTORS ON SITE There are two distinct types of contractors who will have access to site. These will be service contractors who regularly work on the site and building contractors who work on an as and when basis. SERVICE CONTRACTORS Service contractors have regular access to site as specified by a contract. Such contractors visits can vary from an annual visit, e.g. to service boilers, check fire extinguishers etc., to those on site daily, e.g. catering staff. The service contract specifying what work is expected of them and what they can expect from the school BUILDING CONTRACTORS These are contractors who attend site to undertake building works, which can vary from simply replacing a broken window to remodelling a room. The following is the general

risk assessment on these activities that identifies the potential hazards and how these will be minimised/eliminated. Hazards associated with building work relate to personal injury or damage to health caused by: a) slips/trips/falls as a result of contamination of surfaces by spillages, trailing leads or unprotected edges; b) being hit by falling objects dropped by persons working above head height; c) inhalation of smoke/fume through heating substances or use of same, i.e. paint/varnish/tar etc. d) coming into contact with machinery or vehicles. The above is only a brief outline of the hazards associated with this activity that may occur in areas where staff and pupils have access. Such hazards are controlled by the arrangements listed below and by the effective supervision of students. SMALL SCALE BUILDING WORKS This will include day-to-day maintenance work and all work undertaken on site where a pre site meeting has not taken place. a) All contractors must report to the office on their arrival and under no circumstances are they to commence work until given approval to do so by the Headteacher/Deputy/Assistant Head b) Before any work is commenced, it is essential that the Headteacher/ Deputy/Assistant Head is made aware of i) what work is to be undertaken, ii) where the work is to be carried out, iii) an indication of the likely timescale, iv) what equipment is to be used, v) what services are required.

i) where they can gain access to services, ii) what the fire precautions are for the building, i.e. upon hearing the alarm, which is a continuous bell, they must exit the building immediately and report to the playground/ iii) any particular problems with the work, e.g. access may still be required to the area. d) The contractors must be issued with a visitors pass and advised that it must be worn at all times whilst on site. e) The contractors must be advised who to contact on site if they have a problem. Staff Health and Welfare Stress Any member of staff who feels they may be suffering from stress should discuss their concerns with either the Headteacher or senior staff The Headteacher will discuss the matter with the person concerned within 24 hours of the issue being raised, where physically possible. See Staff Health and Well being Policy Safety All staff have a responsibility to be mindful of their own safety when putting up displays and moving equipment or furniture. Staff should not climb on chairs or tables. A stepladder is available for use and is stored in the caretaker s cupboard. Staff should be awrae of working at height regulations Both staff and children should take care when moving or lifting equipment. If in doubt seek help. Key staff have been trained in Manual Handling

Violence Staff should always take steps to minimise the possibility of violence in school. Parents who are known to be violent or aggressive should never been seen by staff unless another adult is present. If staff have concerns about a parent they should speak to a senior member of staff immediately. VDU Operators Admin. staff using VDUs should vary their work routines and follow guidance on regular eye tests. Off Site Activities Please also refer to separate Educational Visits Policy Statement. Any visit off site must be approved by the Headteacher. For any visit to take place off the school site, a letter home requesting permission is required. Also, at the start of the year parents are asked to give emergency contact names and phone numbers to be used in an emergency. One copy of the official list of the children and adults in the party on a school visit and their contact numbers must be kept in the school office. The pupil: adult ratio recommended by the authority for the activity must be met. A qualified Paediatric First Aider must accompany each school trip. Where transport is by car appropriate car insurance should be checked. Children should travel in the back seats and be strapped in at all times.

All coaches hired by the school will have seat belts fitted, adults should ensure that they are used. Adults must base themselves in different parts of the vehicle to minimise the risk of all adults being injured. Children should not sit in the front seats of the coach nor in the centre back seat. On a visit involving transport the following should be easily accessible: Plastic gloves; First aid kit (containing official list of adults and children on the party, plus the school name and telephone number); Drinking water and beaker; Paper towels and hankies; and 'Sick bags'. Appendix Health and Safety Rules Steps to Safety Policies to support Health and Safety in school First Aid Policy Medications Policy School Trips and Visits Policy School Handbook See Keeping Children Safe Agreement and associated policies. Headteacher LMB Date Date