THE FOREST SCHOOL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 1
Responsibility: Committee: January 2013 March 2015 May 2015 May 2016 Head of Operations & Business Development Operations Updated Last reviewed Updates made. Reviewed and ratified by the Operations Committee on 25/03/15 Appendix 1 added Violence, Abuse and Threatening Behaviour Reviewed and ratified by the Operations Committee on 13/05/15 H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 2
GENERAL STATEMENT The Forest School adopts the Wokingham Borough Council Health & Safety at Work policy as given below. The Forest School recognises and accepts its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and gives its full commitment to doing everything reasonably practicable to protect the safety, health and welfare of all employees, students and other persons whose health and safety may be affected by the School activities. The School will take reasonable steps to ensure that its contractors and partners in service provision conduct their activities in a manner that is safe and without risk to health. High standards of health and safety are an integral part of our organisation s vision, values and performance standards; we are committed to the continuous improvement of our health and safety systems, building a positive health and safety culture for the benefit of our employees, students and the efficiency of our service delivery. It is the policy of The Forest School, in so far as it is reasonably practicable: To provide and maintain equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. To ensure safety and the absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances. That the Council provides a competent source of health and safety advice to our Head of Operations & Business Development and colleagues and that it supplies such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to provide for the health and safety at work for our employees. To maintain all places of work under the School s control, including means of access and egress, in a condition that is safe and without risk to health and to provide appropriate facilities for welfare. To provide for the identification and assessment of health and safety risks, and to eliminate or control those risks. To comply with the statutory requirements as a minimum standard of health, safety and welfare of employees at wor,k and all others towards whom we have statutory health and safety obligations. To ensure that the roles of the Senior Leadership Team, and other colleagues towards health, safety and welfare are defined with responsibilities clearly assigned and communicated. To ensure that our employees are aware that they have a duty to work safely and to cooperate in all matters that affect their health and safety at work. The School recognises the link between efficiency and safety and health, and aims to minimise the costs, losses and disruption which arise from work related accidents, ill health and dangerous occurrences. Appreciating that consulting and working in partnership with our employees on health and safety matters is important in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, the Council and School will maintain suitable arrangements for joint discussion and employee involvement. In order to ensure that adequate financial, human and other resources are made available for the effective implementation of the School, procedures and systems will be maintained to monitor H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 3
health and safety performance with all necessary feedback provided to members, managers and staff representatives. In conclusion: HEALTH AND SAFETY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNING BODY AND ALL EMPLOYEES AT EVERY LEVEL. THIS POLICY NEEDS TO BE VIEWED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RAINBOW PLAN, OUR CRITICAL INCIDENT AND BUSINESS CONTINGENCY PLAN. B Crawford Head of Operations & Business Development H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 4
THE FOREST SCHOOL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY Information It is the legal responsibility of the Head of Operations & Business Development and Governors to keep staff aware of the following statement on health and safety, and of the organisational arrangements intended to achieve the aims it sets out. 1. Policy Statement The Head of Operations & Business Development and the Governing Body recognise their responsibility for giving effect to the safety policy of Wokingham District Council in relation to all school staff, and any other persons such as pupils, parents and members of the public liable to be affected by the operations and activities of the school. In association with the Governing body, the Head of Operations & Business Development will manage the health and safety functions of the school to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, injuries to any person as a result of the operations of the school. This will be achieved by provision of safe premises and equipment, together with effective management of the activities over which the Head of Operations & Business Development exercises control. Applying the principles of risk management the Head of Operations & Business Development will ensure that any necessary risk control measures are introduced and maintained. So far as it is reasonable, the Head of Operations & Business Development will ensure that, staff designated with health and safety responsibilities are competent to achieve the aims prescribed by the authority. It is equally the duty of all school staff to co-operate with the Head of Operations & Business Development and Governing body to ensure the safety of themselves, co-employees, pupils and other persons, liable to be affected by their activities at work and adhere to the operational procedures prescribed for the school. Signed: Head of Operations & Business Development Chair of Governors Date H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 5
2. Organisation 2.1 Head of Operations & Business Development s Responsibilities The general responsibilities of the Head of Operations & Business Development are listed in the Wokingham Borough Council s online safety guidance. The Head of Operations & Business Development will ensure full compliance with all duties and responsibilities in the safety manual. This will include application of all relevant procedures as listed within the guidance sections of the manual. The Head of Operations & Business Development shall have responsibilities for ensuring effective management, so far as is reasonably practicable, of all health and safety matters affecting the operations and activities of the school. These include those organised on behalf of the school but being undertaken away from the school site. To do this effectively, the Head of Operations & Business Development will work with the Governing Body and keep them fully informed of the authority s policies affecting the health, safety and welfare of staff, pupils and other persons of their responsibility. The following points summarise the main responsibilities and duties of the Head of Operations & Business Development. a) Ensuring at all times the health, safety and welfare of staff, pupils and others using the school premises or facilities or services or attending or taking part in school sponsored activities. b) Ensuring safe working practices and procedures throughout the school; c) Day-to-day responsibility for all health and safety matters in the operations of the school; d) Ensuring effective co-ordination of safety management by either assuming the role of Site Manager or nominating another appropriate person to take on this role; e) Ensuring compliance with the policy and procedures of Wokingham Borough Council as set out in the safety manual; f) Ensuring that the school produces an action plan which is kept up to date by regular review; g) Ensuring effective communications on health and safety matters exist between the school and Borough Councils Safety Officer; h) Providing Governors with an annual report on all matters affecting health and safety in the school; i) In accordance with WBC policy on risk assessment, ensuring that the school carries out adequate assessments and controls the risks to health and safety of all persons from hazards within the school and any other of its activities, wherever they are undertaken; j) Ensuring that the school provides equipment and articles for the school that are adequate for their intended use, are correctly serviced and properly maintained; k) Periodically evaluating the need for health and safety training of staff and arranging its delivery; l) Bringing to the attention of the Governing Body and the authority any matters of health and safety that cannot be resolved, or are of imminent danger to any person; m) Ensuring the school s health and safety policy is kept under review and any amendments brought to the notice of all staff. The Head of Operations & Business Development will be advised and guided in these responsibilities by specialists appointed by the authority. Particulars of these specialists will be made known to the Head of Operations & Business Development and Governing Body through health and safety publications and information circulated by the Head of Public Protection, Wokingham Borough Council. 2.2 Governors The governing body will be responsible for monitoring the school s arrangements for health and safety management. This will be achieved by ensuring: H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 6
a health and safety report with planned improvements is considered annually by the Operations Committee, with a duty to report back to the full governing body; that adequate resources are available for compliance with health and safety legislation and to meet the standards set by Wokingham Borough Council; good consultation with employee representatives; that a full safety inspection of the site is carried out each year, with the full involvement of at least one member of the Operations Committee; regular fire alarm checks and evacuation drills are carried out by the school; that any contractors appointed directly by the school are competent, have good safety arrangements in place and are aware of any inherent risks present in the building or because of any specific activities likely to take place. 2.3 Site Manager The person will generally support the Head of Operations & Business Development in the setting of objectives for the school and staff. He will also monitor progress taken to meet those objectives and provide assistance and guidance to staff involved. Above all else, he will be the first point of contact if an individual cannot solve an issue themselves. The Site Manager will be responsible for: Monitoring that each Subject Leader has completed an annual risk assessment review. Carrying out a termly audit of health and safety arrangements resulting in identification of matters for attention, and an action column indicating responsibility and timescale. Contributing to the report to Operations Committee annually on key issues. Notifying Subject Leaders and/or the Site Manager of matters for them to address, and monitoring their response. Providing a copy of the audit to the Head of Operations & Business Development indicating significant issues. Recommending additional facilities and/or procedures to the Head of Operations & Business Development Set up and monitor that fire drills and accidents are logged centrally. Respond to any concerns communicated by a Subject Leader by either detailing a response or, for a significant problem, alerting the Head of Operations & Business Development. 2.4 Head of Operations & Business Development The Head of Operations & Business Development, with responsibility for the strategic direction of issues pertaining to Site and Buildings, will be specifically responsible for: Ensuring the school produces an annual action plan that is reviewed termly. Providing governors with an annual report on health & safety which will encompass: 1. A review of policy. 2. A review of management structure. 3. Key issues arising from risk assessments. 4. Identification of issues that cannot be resolved or are particularly problematic. 5. Accident statistics. Evaluating training needs and arranging delivery. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 7
Following up on significant issues with caretaking staff and/or Subject Leaders to ensure appropriate action has been taken e.g. that remedial work exceeding 100 has been authorised, a dangerous situation that requires an immediate response. Ensure effective liaison between school and contractors on safety matters. 2.5 Subject Leaders and Supervisory Staff As well as the duties and responsibilities they hold as employees, supervisory staff will also have the following responsibilities to ensure that: a) A safety policy is produced to cover each of the following areas: i. Science ii. Technology, including the CDT and Food Tech iii. Art iv. Physical Education v. Drama vi. The School Kitchen/Canteen vii. The Sixth Form Café viii. The fitness suite ix. The swimming pool b) The safety policy is reviewed periodically and brought to the attention of staff c) Risk assessments are carried out for all hazardous activities and records kept d) COSHH, DSE and manual handling assessments are carried out where necessary and records kept e) They monitor the standard of health and safety, encourage staff, pupils and others to achieve the highest possible standards of health and safety f) They discipline those who consistently fail to consider their own well-being or the health and safety of others or those who are grossly negligent g) Safe methods of work are in place and documented where necessary h) Staff are competent to take part or supervise any activities which form part of their job., and that their competence is maintained by refresher training where necessary i) New employees are inducted and adequately supervised j) Health and safety regulations, rules, routines and procedures, required by the school or authority, are being effectively applied by both staff and students k) All plant, machinery and equipment is adequately guarded, in good and safe working order, used only for the purpose for which it is designed and well maintained l) Regular safety inspections are carried out m) Any problems which cannot be addressed in the department because of a lack of resources or expertise are reported to the Site Manager or Head of Operations & Business Development n) Good consultation exists with staff at all levels within the department The policy should aim to amplify and develop the school safety policy, thus making it more relevant to the activities and organisation of the department. Further guidance on contents maybe found in the safety manual. 2.6 The Site Managers are responsible to the Head of Operations & Business Development for: a) Ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and health provisions and procedures affecting cleaning, catering or ground maintenance contractors are adhered to; b) Ensuring that cleaning materials and equipment liable to be a danger to pupils, or staff, are correctly used and properly stored when not in use; c) Ensuring that all waste materials from the school are disposed of in accordance with WBC policy; H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 8
d) Maintaining a clean and effective boiler area, and electrical cupboard, including the safe storage and delivery of fuels necessary; e) Maintaining a high standard of housekeeping; f) Monitoring and testing fire safety arrangements in consultation with the Head of Operations & Business Development g) Reporting to the Head of Operation & Business Development any problem or imminent danger associated with his responsibilities, as soon as it is practicable to do so. h) Reacting promptly to matters identified by the Site Manager either by directly tackling a matter or placing an order with a contractor. i) Inform hirers of our premises where to congregate in event of a fire. 2.7 All Employees Each employee is responsible for his or her own acts or omissions, and the effect that these may have upon the safety of themselves or any other person. In addition all employees: a) Must use safety equipment or clothing in a proper manner and for the purpose intended; b) Must not intentionally or recklessly misuse anything supplied in the interests of health and safety; c) Must work in accordance with any health and safety instruction or training that has been given; d) Must co-operate fully with the employer; e) Must not take part in any task for which they have not been authorised and for which they are not adequately trained; f) Must bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements; and g) Have a duty to familiarise themselves with this policy. 3. RISK ASSESSMENT The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires every employer to make a fully recorded, suitable and sufficient assessment of risks to health and safety of employees. Detailed guidance on risk assessment may be found in the online Wokingham Borough Council guidance. Head of Operations & Business Development and Governors are responsible for ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments and safety audits are carried out in relation to all school activities. These should be reviewed at least annually, but more frequently if there are significant changes in buildings, machinery, equipment, work practices, or personnel. The annual safety plan will establish targets for carrying out and reviewing risk assessments. The Site Manager will agree these deadlines with staff involved and check on progress throughout the year. A copy of the completed Risk Assessment records shall be filed with the Site Manager for the information of all employees. 4.1 Safety Problem Reporting Staff have a responsibility for their own areas of work. This involves making sure that health and safety issues are addressed. Staff can address many problems themselves. Where the member of staff involved cannot solve problems the Site Manager should be informed. This may be a verbal report initially, but may need to be put in writing. Where the risk is immediate and significant, it is not enough for staff to report the issue and leave it at that. The member of staff responsible for the area must ensure that action is taken to address the issue. Where the problem H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 9
cannot be addressed satisfactorily in the short term then action may be required to cordon off the area, change or stop the activity. The member of staff responsible for the area will make the decision in consultation with Site Manager or a senior member of staff. Where the Site Manager is not available, the member of staff may need to make that decision themselves. 4.2 General Fire Safety All staff are expected to make sure that they are familiar with the fire evacuation procedure which is in the staff handbook. The main aim of the procedure is to raise the alarm, evacuate the building and notify the emergency services. Staff are also expected to familiarise themselves with any fire fighting equipment available for use. A fire evacuation drill will be carried out once per term and a record kept in the fire log book. The Site Manager will test the fire alarm system each week and a record will be kept in the fire log. Fire doors must not be blocked, locked or permanently propped or wedged open. Flammable liquids may not be stored in classrooms, and must be kept in the flammable liquids cupboard in the external store. 4.3 Accident and First Aid Procedures Employees must report all injuries to their manager immediately after treatment. The First Aid Incident Book, located in the First Aid Room, must be fully completed for all injuries incurred, however minor. The following staff are fully trained first aiders. Jamie Anderton Charlotte Deer Sam Morrison Manik Puranik In addition, emergency first aid staff from the PE Dept. are available to cover for the absence of first aiders. They should only be contacted if a full first aider is unavailable and the condition of the individual necessitates immediate attention. Anyone requiring an ambulance should contact the emergency services by dialling 999 using any phone in school. Anyone requiring first aid treatment should contact First Aid x 1044 who will arrange for a first aider to attend to the injured or sick person. Staff are reminded that first aiders in school are there to provide first aid treatment and are not medical practitioners. Pupils suffering from every day problems such as headaches, etc., must be dealt with by the class teacher and should not be automatically referred to the First Aider. Supplies of first aid material are available from First Aid, and in addition, travel first aid kits are available for school educational visits. 4.4 Medication The school will provide a safe system for administering, monitoring and reviewing the taking of medication. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 10
All medication will be kept in a secure space. Full records will be kept and maintained on all medication administered by staff. These will be stored in the medicine cupboard. Parents will be expected to deliver the medication directly to a designated member of school staff; children are not allowed to bring medicine into school themselves, without prior written agreement. The medication must be accompanied by written authorisation from a parent, written confirmation of the dosage, spoon or similar, and frequency/times when the medicine is to be administered. The name of the child must be clearly written on the container. Unless essential, the administration time should not be allowed to take place during lesson time. Special arrangements will need to be made and recorded for the use of epipens and inhalers, on the advice of the school health service. Schools should have regard to DfEE Circular 14/96 Supporting pupils with medical needs and supporting pupils with medical needs: a good practice guide (DfEE 1996) 4.5 Electrical Safety The Site Manager will draw up an inventory of all electrical equipment on the premises, with the help of other staff. All items of electrical equipment, from kettles in the kitchen areas to photocopiers must be placed on this list. Staff obtaining new equipment must ensure that the list is updated via their inventories. Staff will be responsible for visually checking all portable appliances as and when used, and a competent person will carry out a thorough electrical test at least once every one to five years, depending on the appliance and the results of previous assessments. The fixed wiring installation supplying electrical sockets, lighting, etc will be inspected by a competent specialist electrical contractor every 5 years. Any work on electrical systems will be carried out by competent electrical engineers, who belong to an appropriate body and comply with all relevant safety standards. 4.6 Safe use of chemicals Some substances have the potential to cause ill health, and we will introduce measures to identify what substances our employees use or are exposed to in the course of their work. Detailed guidance on the control of substances hazardous to health may be found in the Wokingham Borough Council online guidance. In accordance with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994, our policy will be to avoid the use of harmful substances by looking for suitable and less hazardous substances wherever possible. Where hazardous substances cannot be avoided, they will be assessed and control measures introduced to prevent risk to employees and others affected by school activities. The Site Manager must be informed of any new substances that are hazardous and COSHH assessments carried out before they are used. Information, instruction and training will be provided for all employees and others who may be exposed to hazardous substances. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 11
4.7 Manual Handling Staff should be aware that the school policy is one of avoiding hazardous manual handling where there is a risk of injury. Where this is not possible, a risk assessment will be carried out using the guidelines in of the Wokingham Borough Council online safety guidance. The manual handling assessment will consider all factors involved including the load, working environment, task and individual capabilities of staff. Particular consideration may be required in relation to the safety of young people and pregnant or nursing mothers. Training in the principles of safe manual handling can significantly reduce the risk of injury and will be provided for staff involved in all operations identified as having a significant risk. Manual handling includes the moving and supporting of people. Any disabled pupils in school may need support which involves lifting, supporting, pushing, pulling, standing, sitting, etc. This may be to support children in school with curriculum activities or in relation to their personal needs. These guidelines must be followed strictly in relation to the moving and handling of pupils. Consideration may need to be given to this in relation to pupils with temporary problems such as broken limbs. Staff should seek the support of the Site Manager in relation to this issue. 4.8 Security All visitors will be expected to report to reception immediately on arrival. They will be required to sign the visitor s book. The visitor s book contains details of the emergency procedures and information that they need to be aware of. They will then be issued with a security pass. Any person, (other than a member of staff) on the school site not in possession of a security pass will be challenged and, if necessary, asked to leave. 4.9 Safety in the school office All computer workstations will be assessed, using the assessment checklist provided. Those used by employees classified as DSE users will receive priority for corrective measures, if any are needed. Dedicated DSE Users are entitled to a contribution of 49 (this amount equates to the cost of basic frames and lenses) towards the cost of special spectacles for DSE work if, following an eye test, the optician confirms that their ordinary prescription is not suitable for the prescribed distance the screen is viewed at. The User must obtain written confirmation from their optician and receive authority for the expenditure from the HR Assistant before the order is placed. 4.10 New and expectant mothers The Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1994 and the Maternity (Compulsory Leave) Regulations 1994 apply to any employees who are pregnant, breast feeding or who have given birth within the last six months. Risk assessments will need to consider new and expectant mothers. These will be recorded and employees informed of any additional risks that they may face if they become pregnant or are breast feeding. Staff should inform the Head of Operations & Business Development as soon as possible after the pregnancy has been confirmed. An additional risk assessment will be made when a woman notifies her manager that she is pregnant. New or expectant mothers are entitled to rest facilities which include the facility, where necessary, to lie down. The medical area should be used for this purpose. Nursing mothers requiring a private area to express milk should also use the same facilities. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 12
In the case of pupils, a risk assessment will also be appropriate, and advice from individual support services should be sought. 4.11 Contractors The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 impose duties to safeguard the health and safety of non-employees who may be affected by our activities. The school has therefore a responsibility to inform contractors of any risks that they may encounter whilst on site. These duties also require contractors on the premises to safeguard pupils and employees in relation to risks arising from their work activities. They would therefore need to inform the school of any risk factors and ensure that they were adequately controlled. The school will only employ competent contractors, who will be selected according to the procedure set out in the contractor safety guidance document. One of our main duties is to ensure adequate co-operation between the school and the contractor. All staff will be informed before work commences, and will be notified of any steps that they may need to take. No contractor will be allowed on site without the permission of the Site Manager. All contractors must sign in and out when visiting the site. 4.12 Educational Visits All visits must be arranged in accordance with the advice set out in the EVOLVE system and with the prior approval of the Head of Operations & Business Development. Activities involving an overnight stay or overseas visit must have the prior approval of the governing body. The Education Visits Administrator and has undergone statutory training. All such visits must have been subject to risk assessment before the visit takes place. It will also be necessary to ensure adequate provision of first aid trained staff and a travel first aid kit. Outdoor visits will require consideration in relation to clothing and sunscreens. All pupils involved must be suitably dressed, bring their own waterproof clothing, cap and sunscreen, depending on weather conditions. The sunscreen should be applied by the pupil under staff supervision. It will also be necessary to ensure that staff are aware of any allergies and/or medical conditions that pupils may have. 4.13 Hirers It will be the condition for all hirers of school premise or facilities to comply with the following. Hirers shall not, without prior consent from the Head of Operations & Business Development:- a) Remove or obscure fire and safety notices; b) Block fire exits or routes; c) Alter fixed installations; d) Use any equipment on the school site without the prior permission of the Head of Operations & Business Development or Subject Leader. e) Take any action that may create hazards for persons using the premises or the pupils or staff of the school. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 13
4.14 Other sections a) Safety during lunch and morning breaks i. Pupils are supervised during break times by staff and by members of the Senior Leadership Team ii. All pupils are instructed about the standards of behaviour expected of them and are informed about the areas which they can use during these times b) Arrival and departure from school i. The site has two pedestrian entries: both of these are shared with vehicles. The school restricts the use of vehicle entrance ways to staff vehicles only during arrival and departure times. ii. The school maintains a liaison with WBC and the Police to ensure that traffic congestion on Robinhood Lane and Arbor Lane does not endanger our pupils iii. Pupils are instructed about how they should arrive at and leave the site in a safe manner. This includes walking bicycles on Robinhood and Arbor Lane, the use of cycle ways and using pedestrian crossings safely. c) Safety on school transport The school does not have any direct control over school transport. The school will instruct pupils about the standards of behaviour expected on school transport. Where behaviour is found to be unacceptable, the school will identify the students concerned and take steps to control their behaviour by: i. Meeting with the pupils and their parents if necessary ii. Liaison with the transport companies iii. Liaison with WBC school transport section iv. Liaison with other schools regarding shared transport. d) Asbestos i. The school has an up to date asbestos register completed in November 2009. Copies are kept by the Site Manager ii. No building work may take place on the site without prior reference to the register to ensure that asbestos is not present iii. Any work which is likely to disturb asbestos must take place under the management of an appropriately qualified contractor, and be carried out according to procedures laid out in the asbestos licensing regulations. Detailed guidance is to be found on the WBC website. e) Violence, threatening behaviour and abuse Please see Appendix 1 f) Stress The school acknowledges that stress in the workplace can occur in employees. In so far as possible, the school will work to minimise workplace stress. Line Managers need to be aware of the signs of stress in their staff and report any incidence to their manager, so that measures can be put into place to allow an individual to manage stress. g) Pupils with SEND The school does not discriminate against pupils with SEND. It will do all it can to ensure that students with special needs are provided with a healthy and safe working environment in line with that provided for other pupils. h) Work experience arrangements Pupils from The Forest School take part in formal work experience during year 11. The school recognises its duty to ensure that no pupil is placed in a situation which endangers his/her health and safety. Work experience placements are arranged centrally by suitably H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 14
qualified contractor and risk assessments for all work experience placements are arranged by their staff on our behalf. The Work Experience Co-ordinator at The Forest School will review these risk assessments, and no pupil will be allocated a placement unless the school is satisfied that there is no risk to his/her health and safety. In addition, all students and employers are contacted during the placement to ensure that all is well. i) Managing Critical Incidents The Rainbow Plan The school has developed a complete set of procedures for the management of a critical incident. Detailed procedures for the handling of a critical incident on site are found with the Principal, the Head of Operations and the Main Office. j) Smoking The school abides by the anti-smoking legislation of July 2007. Policy and procedures are to be found in The Forest School Smoking Policy. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 15
APPENDIX 1 Violence, Threatening Behaviour and Abuse Background This policy and guidance is considered by and has been adopted from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) to constitute good practice in managing violent, threatening or abusive situations. In compiling this policy, ATL is aware that the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 placed duties on every employer to: Provide and maintain systems of work that are safe Provide all necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to enable individuals to be safe Provide and maintain a safe place of work with safe access and egress In addition, employers are required to assess the risk to staff (and others) in the workplace. This includes the risk from foreseeable acts of violence, threatening behaviour or abuse at work. Employers should identify the necessary preventative and protective measures. Employers must also make arrangements to implement control measure that follow from the risk assessment, so far as it is reasonably practicable. Every school should have a separate policy covering the use of force to control or restrain pupils. Failure to comply with the above leaves the employer vulnerable to legal challenge. The following preventative principles are essential for all workplaces: User-friendly and accessible procedures must be in place. Staff should be familiar with the procedures and be able to refer to them immediately. These procedures must be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. Practical training must be provided to all staff. As training methods change or as a reminder for staff, refresher training should also be provided. Introduction The employer: Acknowledges and accepts its legal obligation: o To provide and maintain safe systems of work o To provide all necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to enable individual to be safe o To provide and maintain a safe place of work for employers, pupils and visitors to the school Declares its intention to take all reasonable and practicable measures to this end and to support fully those employees who are the victims of violence, threatening behaviour dn abuse Acknowledges that every employee has the right to be treated with dignity and respect assaults on staff are not acceptable Will take measure to deter violence, threatening behaviour or abuse and take action against those responsible It is recognised that staff also have obligations as follows: To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, including their colleagues and the pupils in their care To cooperate with the employer on health and safety matters To carry out activities in accordance with training, instructions, policies and procedures To tell the employer of any serious risk H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 16
Definitions In this policy: assault encompasses any intentional and violent physical conduct and includes verbal abuse as well as threats of and attempted physical assault employer includes any local authority, school, college or education establishment or the governors of any school or college or educational establishment manager includes the Principal, Head of Operations & Business Development or their designated deputies parent includes a guardian or carer school covers colleges and any other educational establishment pupil includes student local authority has been used rather than local education authority This policy sets out the action that will be taken to reduce the frequency of assaults, monitor their occurrence, train staff, support victims of violence and deal with incidents when they occur. Support that will be offered by the employer, and which is referred to in this policy, includes the following: 1. Maintaining a safe working environment and safe practices 2. Identifying levels of risk of violence faced by members of staff 3. Assessing who is exposed to the risk of violence 4. Reviewing risk assessments at regular intervals or when there is any change to the risk of violence 5. Providing adequate training for all staff 6. Ensuring, in the event of an assault, a structured and supportive response from management 7. Implementing a standard reporting and monitoring system 8. Considering exclusion or the application of appropriate disciplinary procedures and sanctions in the case of pupil assailants 9. Reference, if appropriate, to the police 10. The use of statutory powers 11. Relief from duty, if appropriate, following assault 12. Providing medical advice, legal advice and counselling 13. Cooperating with the trade unions of assault members Where a member of staff suffers an assault away from her/his workplace, and if the assault arises in the course of or via the performance of her/his professional duties, support under these procedures will be provided. Prevention The employer will: Record all assaults on staff and will make statistics based on this information available to staff and trade unions Undertake regular, suitable and sufficient risk assessments Use five steps to risk assessment, the HSE guidance, when carrying out risk assessments Follow these steps in the risk assessment process: o Include the whole of the site, including areas adjacent to the site o Include staff who visit pupils at home as part of the risk assessment process o Identify and assess the risks: activities and workplaces should be looked at and considered for what could reasonably be expected to cause harm o Consideration should be given to everybody at the workplace and everyone using the site H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 17
o Determine appropriate actions to manage those risks: existing precautions should be examined to establish whether they are adequate and whether more should be done Implement the actions. This may include measure such as: o Training programmes o Alternations to school entrances o Implementing procedures for visitors to the school iste o Communication systems o Emergency procedures o The provision of alarms or back-up for staff o Monitoring the results o Informing all staff who might be affected of the outcome of the risk assessment o Keeping a record of the findings and consider how they might be used to prevent harm o Considering risks to the personal safety of staff as part of the risk assessment process o Using the employer s statutory powers to seek to prevent any person entering the school premises without lawful authority who causes or permits nuisance or disturbance to those people lawfully using the premises. Where the name of the intruder is known, warning letters will be sent by the employer making it clear that, if the intruder trespasses again and causes a nuisance or disturbance, they risk prosecution and the matter will be reported to the police. In more serious cases the employer will consider taking out a prosecution and/or injunction against the offenders. Liaison with the Police The employer will establish and maintaining close liaison with the local police. It will draw up a procedure enabling the police to be called and to respond promptly when incidents occur. The employer will work with the local police to confirm the circumstances in which they will pursue a prosecution against an assailant. The employer will seek to agree with the police that they will obtain evidence and initiate a prosecution when a member of staff at the school is assaulted, even if the assault is minor. Dealing with offensive weapons and knives As soon as a member of staff is aware either that a pupil is in possession of an offensive weapon or that there has been an incident involving a weapon the following actions should be taken: Immediately inform the designated senior manager; Principal for pupil related incidents and for all other, Head of Operations & Business Development Immediately inform the Principal or Head of Operations & Business Development of the establishment Staff should not try to deal with the situation alone The senior manager must decide whether it is necessary to contact the police The school should consider whether to deal with the matter as a disciplinary issue Searching a pupil is a step that should only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances by the Principal. The granting of the consent should be witnessed by a colleague or adult witness and the search should be conducted in the presence of a colleague or adult witness. It is preferable for a child s parent to attend if a search is being undertaken. If the pupil refused to cooperate, the police should be called. No further action should be taken until the police arrive. H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 18
In some exceptional circumstances, action may have to be taken immediately. If this is the case, the pupil should be isolated from other pupils if possible. A colleague or adult witness should be present. When a weapon or knife is confiscated by a member of staff it is important to: Ensure that the weapon is secure and given to the police immediately on their arrival, or Arrange for the weapon to be removed from the premises by a parent. Pending the arrival of the police or a parent, the item should be stored in a secure place. The school should keep a record when weapons have been confiscated and returned. In the event that a pupil has been fund in possession of a weapon, the application of the school s discipline and behaviour policy must be considered. Depending on the particular circumstances, the school may wish to invoke disciplinary sanctions which might include detention or exclusion, whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Assaults by adults In the case of an assault by a visitor or intruder, the Head of Operations & Business Development will immediately: Inform the police, requesting their immediate attendance Take steps to ensure that all staff and pupils are safe and secure Take appropriate steps to isolate the assailant And subsequently: Liaise with the police If the assailant is known, send her/him a letter stating that her/his behaviour is unacceptable and that s/he is not permitted to come onto the school premises in future without an appointment. If s/he does so, and causes a nuisance or disturbance, s/he will be regarded as a trespasser and will be liable to prosecution for causing a nuisance or disturbance as a trespasser on educational premises Where appropriate, take action or prosecute her/him either directly or via the police Where such episodes are a recurrent problem, the school should consider putting a formal notice on the entrance or entrances to the school informing intruders that they may face prosecution. Assaults by pupils In the event of an assault on a member of staff by a pupil, the assailant should normally be removed from school immediately. In cases where it is impractical to remover her/him from the premises (e.g. where attempts to contact parents have been unsuccessful), the pupil concerned should be isolated from other pupils. Exclusion from the beginning of the next day should be considered. The removal of the pupil, as a fixed term exclusion, will allow for an investigation of the circumstances of the assault. Permanent exclusion procedures may then follow. If/when the pupil returns to school, the Principal will consult the assaulted member of staff about appropriate arrangements. S/He will not be required or expected to teach, supervise or support the pupil concerned. Action when an assault occurs If a member of staff is assaulted, the following action should be taken: S/he should be allowed access to a private area for as long as necessary where s/he can sit with a friend, representative or colleague H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 19
S/he should be allowed to leave the school and go home if s/he wishes and the employer will make appropriate arrangements which may include arranging transport for him/her S/he may have to attend a hospital, accompanied by a friend, representative or colleague Similarly, s/he may have to attend her/his GP s surgery and may wish to be accompanied S/he may also wish to seek an appointment with the employer s occupational health advisor. Professional counselling services will also be made available free of charge. The staff member will be aware of the availability of these facilities In addition, staff who have been assaulted will be provided with other appropriate support, including legal advice A medical assessment of any injury should be made as soon as practicable, for example at hospital or by her/his GP. The employer will pay any reasonable charges (e.g. from a doctor, dentist or optician) which may be incurred in obtaining the assessment In cases of visible injuries, it is helpful to obtain photographs. The employer will pay all reasonable costs of obtaining them If the assault has occurred away from the premises, the school should be formally notified A written record covering the circumstances leading up the assault, the assault itself and any injury should be made as soon as possible As soon as is practicable after the assault, the member of staff should prepare a written statement on the incident and should be given the opportunity to consult her/his trade union before submitting it Written statements should be obtained as soon as practicable from all witnesses. Wherever possible, they should be prepared on the day of the incident or as soon as possible thereafter The member of staff who has been assaulted should be provided with a copy of all written statements The incident must be reported to the police. The Principal or Head of Operations & Business Development, acting on behalf of and with the consent of the member of staff, will normally inform the police of any assault on school premises. If the member of staff concerned does not wish the police to be informed, those views will be taken into consideration. In all cases, the member of staff has the right to report the incident personally to the police The incident must be reported to the Principal/Head of Operations & Business Development The Principal or Head of Operations & Business Development must pass on information about the assault to the local authority. The Principal or Head of Operations & Business Development must confirm this in writing to the member of staff The member of staff should be advised to contact their trade union representative. In any discussions about the incident, the staff member may be accompanied by a representative of her/his trade union who will be accorded facilities time to support and advice the member of staff The Principal or Head of Operations & Business Development will undertake an investigation and prepare a formal written reports a soon as practicable. This report will be agreed with the employee concerned. The report will be given to the police by the manager of her/his representative and to those with overall responsibility for health and safety Further support for the victim of assault The school will permit the assaulted member of staff to take reasonable paid time off to consult her/his trade union, the police or legal advisors and to attend court if a prosecution is initiated, or for the purposes of any other form of litigation. Where the member of staff is injured and is obliged to take sick leave, the employer with advise her/him of her/his sick pay rights, including the additional entitlements to sick pay for those suffering injury at work (in accordance with section 4, paragraph 9 of the Burgundy Book for teaches in maintained schools). H:\JB\SCHOOL POLICIES\Health & Safety Policy.doc 14/05/2015 20