Health and Safety Policy

This policy covers staff, pupils, visitors and other users of the premises. It aims to show how the Governors and Head Teacher of Lovinda Junior Academy (LJA) discharge their duties regarding Health and Safety at Work.

The Management Team of LJA and the Governing Body are committed to ensuring the Health and Safety of everybody involved in the school. Their aim is to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for staff, students, and visitors. The objectives of this policy are to:

• Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of users of the premises and all participants in school trips. Hence school premises are well maintained, have safe access and egress for all and are without risk to health.
• Establish and maintain safe working procedures for staff and pupils.
• To provide and maintain safe school buildings and safe equipment for use in school.
• Develop safety awareness, by appropriate training if necessary, amongst staff, pupils and others who help in school.
• Formulate and implement effective procedures for use in the event of fire and other emergencies.
• Ensure articles and substances for use at the school are safe when properly used, stored, handled, and transported.
• Investigate accidents and take steps to prevent a re-occurrence.
• Making sure our responsibility and activities towards the environment do not adversely affect it.

The Board of Governors has ultimate control of the school with corporate responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment for teaching and non-teaching staff, contractors, and students

The Board will take all reasonable steps to fulfil this responsibility, provide suitable facilities, equipment and put safety arrangements in areas of high risk. It will impart information and advice on safety for the provision of a healthy working environment and adequate welfare facilities. They will:

• Decide policy.
• Give strategic guidance.
• Monitor and review health and safety issues for effectiveness.
• Ensure adequate resources for health and safety are available.
• Take steps to ensure building, equipment and systems of work are safe.
• Ensure that the school provides adequate training, information, instruction, induction and supervision to enable everyone in the school to be safe.
• Maintain the premises in a condition that is safe and without significant risk.
• Provide a working environment that is safe and healthy.
• Provide adequate welfare facilities for staff & pupils.
• In their critical friend role, maintain an interest in all the health and safety matters.
• Review and monitor the effectiveness of this policy.

2.01 The Head Teacher

The head teacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school with primary responsibility for Health and Safety matters within the establishment. In the absence of the Head Teacher, the School Administrator will assume this responsibility. In addition, the Head Teacher will:

• Promote a positive, open health and safety culture in school
• Report to Governors on key health and safety issues
• Seek advice from other organisations or professionals, such as the Health and Safety Executive, safety advisers etc. as and when necessary
• Ensure that all staff co-operate with the policy
• Devise and implement safety procedures
• Ensure that risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis
• Ensure relevant staff have access to appropriate training
• Meet with the Facilities Manager every week to ensure any building/grounds issues are dealt with in a timely manner
• Set up arrangements to cover all health and safety legal requirements
• Produce a written Health and Safety policy to be approved by the Governing Body and bringing this document to the attention of all staff, including new staff on taking up post, and to revise and reissue the document as may be necessary from time to time
• Ensure regular inspection of premises and equipment in a timely manner
• Ensure that a system is established and maintained for reporting, recording, or investigating accidents, and that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent recurrences
• Ensure the use of any personal protective equipment as may be necessary and ensuring that it is maintained and renewed as necessary.
• Ensure that effective arrangements are in place to evacuate the buildings in case of fire or other emergencies, that evacuation drills are undertaken regularly, and that firefighting equipment is available and maintained.
• Ensure that a suitable plan is in place to deal with emergencies, which could occur both during and out of school hours. This will include arrangements to deal with the immediate emergency and for contacting the Local Authority, school staff, service providers and parents.
• Ensure that suitable health and safety induction training is provided to every new employee and that every assistance is given to perform their duties in a safe manner. To ensure that they are given a copy of this statement of local arrangements, and the opportunity to read it, before starting work.
• Ensure that arrangements are made for suitable training for all aspects of their work.
• Ensure that suitable records are kept of employee health and safety training accidents.

2.02 School Administrator (SA)

The SA will support the Head Teacher in his/her role to:

• Ensure risk assessments are accurate, suitable, and reviewed annually
• Deal with any hazardous practices, equipment or building issues and report to the Head Teacher if they remain unresolved
• Provide a good example, guidance and support to staff on health and safety issues
• Carry out a health and safety induction for all staff and keep records of that induction
• Keep up to date with new developments in Health and Safety issues for schools
• Carry out investigations into accidents and produce reports / statements for any civil or criminal action which may arise
• Ensure any contractors on site are competent in health and safety matters

2.03 The Site Logistics Officer (SLO)

The SLO is responsible for day to day maintenance and other buildings / grounds issues and will:

• Ensure that any work that has health and safety implications is prioritised
• Report any concerns regarding unresolved hazards in school to the senior management team immediately
• Ensure that all work under their control is undertaken in a safe manner
• Carry out a daily check of the grounds and building to spot any disrepair or other hazards such as broken glass etc. in the play areas
• Ensure that all cleaning staff are aware of safe working practices, especially regarding reporting of hazards, the use of hazardous substances and manual handling
• Carry out a weekly test of the fire alarm
• Ensure all contractors are ‘inducted’ and shown the relevant risk assessments, asbestos records and are made aware of any fragile roofs or other hazards in the areas where they will be working
• Fully co-operate with health and safety arrangements during larger building projects
• Overseeing the work of contractors and caters to ensure conformity with this policy

2.04 Classroom Teachers

CT are responsible for:

• The safety of all children under their charge by effectively supervising their activities
• Being able to carry out emergency procedures in respect of fire, emergency evacuation, security and first aid
• Observing and enforcing all safety procedures and instructions especially shutting down equipment and appliances in their classrooms.

2.05 All School Staff should:

• Read the Health and Safety Policy of LJA
• Comply with the School’s health and safety arrangements
• Take reasonable care of their own and other people’s health and safety
• Leave the classroom / playground / office in a reasonably tidy and safe condition
• Follow safety instructions when using equipment
• Supervise pupils and advise them on how to use equipment safely
• Report practices, equipment or physical conditions that may be hazardous to their immediate supervisor and/or the appropriate member of staff
• Follow the accident reporting procedure
• Contribute to and highlight any gaps in the school’s risk assessments

2.06 All Students

In accordance with the school rules and procedures on discipline, Pupils will:

• Follow safety and hygiene rules intended to protect the health and safety of themselves and others
• Follow safety instructions of teaching and support staff, especially in an emergency

2.07 The Occupational Safety Team

• Provide advice and guidance to help LJA fulfils its health and safety responsibilities
• Answer queries from staff on health and safety issues
• Visit where necessary to give advice on all aspects of new and existing health and safety policies and procedures
• Collect information on accidents and incidents to report to HSE where necessary
• Advise on and facilitate (when possible) staff safety training
• Draft and/or advise on policies, procedures and guidance for health and safety
• Interpret and advise on new legislation impacting on the working environment
• Attend meetings to advise on occupational safety issues

2.08 Contractors

Contactors should notify any hazards arising from their activities which may affect the occupants of the school.

All contractors should report to the school office on arrival. The Site Logistics officer will be responsible for controlling the work of contractors to ensure the safety of pupil’s staff and visitors. In the interests of safety, major work should take place out of school hours and during school holidays.

Where work carries significant hazards, permits to work should be raised for contractors before they start work.

2.09 Community Use of School Premises and Facilities.

The use of school’s premises for other purposes requires the approval of the Board. Upon approval, such activities are under the direction of the Head teacher to ensure safe practices accord with school’s policy.

The Head will seek to ensure that hirers, contractors, and others who use the school premises conduct themselves and carry out their operations in such a manner that all statutory and school’s safety requirements are met at all times.

All contractors who work on the school premises are required to ensure safe working practices and must pay due regard to the safety of all persons using the premises.

2.10 Visitors

All visitors must report at the Security Reception where a signing-in system is in operation. Regular visitors and other users of the premises, for example, contractors and delivery persons, are required to observe the safety rules of the School. Contractors working in the school premises will be made aware of the health and safety arrangements applicable to them by the Site Logistics Officer.

Visitors should wear a suitable visitor’s badge when on the premises. Additional expectations are face masks and washing of hands.

3.01 Accidents and Incident Reporting

• Incidents and accidents must be reported on the school accident report form. Copies of the form can be obtained from School Administrator.
• It is the responsibility of the Site Logistics Officer to sign off an accident form in the event of an incident. She/he should also investigate the accident and suggest action to prevent recurrence. Accident forms must be completed with copies retained for at least three years.
• In the case of minor accidents to non-staff, i.e. pupils or parents, where there are no issues of liability and there have been no contributory failure of premises, procedures or equipment, details may be recorded, filed and retained for  years.

3.02 Administration of Medicines

• Medication is only administered to pupils when the parental consent form has been completed.
• The medicine will be administered by the resident nurse or one nominated member of staff for each pupil and appropriate records kept
• Medicines are only administered during school time when they have been prescribed by a Doctor or other relevant medical professional
• First-aid kits are available in each class room

3.03 Control of Hazardous Substances

• The use of hazardous substances in school is prohibited
• All substances, chemicals, etc purchased and used within the school’s science laboratories and storage rooms must be well secured. Risk assessments and hazard data sheets must be provided for all hazardous substances and suitable records kept.
• Substances will be used in accordance with the guidance given and in accordance with the manufacturers, instructions, and advice on the label.
• Any unidentified substance should be disposed of immediately.

3.04 Display Screen Equipment

• For members of staff with desk jobs, the policy prescribes annual self-assessment of workstations
• For members of staff provided with portable devices (e.g. laptops, tablets) staff will be issued with current guidance on their use

3.05 Educational Visits

• All off-site trips will be subject to risk assessment and the advice of a competent leader will be closely followed

3.06 Electrical Testing

• All items of portable electrical equipment in school are inspected and checked annually

3.07 Employee Health and Wellbeing

• All teachers and caregivers should submit to annual medical fitness examination.

3.08 Fire Safety & Evacuation of the Building

• Fire exits have appropriate signage
• Plans showing exit routes are displayed by the door
• A fire drill is practised and documented once a term
• Evacuation times and any issues which arise are reported to the Board of Governors
• Fire extinguishers are checked annually
• Fire alarms are checked and tested once every year

3.09 First Aid Provision

• The school has carried out a first aid risk assessment to ascertain the required number of first aiders and the location / number of first aid kits
• Portable first aid kits are taken on educational visits
• If the risk assessment dictates that it is necessary, a qualified first aider will be present on the trip
  

3.10 Manual Handling

• Pupils and staff must only lift equipment and furniture within their own individual capability
• Manual handling training will be provided for appropriate members of staff including, if necessary, include how to lift pupils safely

3.11 Playground Equipment

• Playground equipment and their usage are supervised during all breaks during the school day
• If the equipment is used during lesson time supervision is again maintained
• A decision is made, recorded and enforced if inclement weather means that equipment becomes unsafe to use on a particular day

3.12 Playground Supervision

• Appropriate levels of supervision will be maintained in playgrounds as described in the playground risk assessment
• The use of playgrounds and amenities is only allowed under strict supervision by teachers and caregivers.

3.13 Pregnant Members of Staff

• Head Teacher should conduct risk assessment for pregnant members of staff and inform the Board of Governors appropriately

3.14 Risk Assessment

• The school maintains a comprehensive set of risk assessments that cover curriculum-based activities in school, school visits and the running of the school building and grounds
• They are all available on file and electronic format for staff to inspect and refer to as necessary
• The management team will take steps to ensure that appropriate staff are aware of the risk assessments appropriate to their role and will monitor compliance with control measures specified in the risk assessments
• All risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis (except risk assessments for school trips which should be reviewed each time the trip takes place)

3.15 Slips, trips and Falls on the Level

• The potential for slips, trips, and falls in school has been risk assessed and appropriate controls have been put in place. This includes working procedures for mopping floors, absorbent floormats near entrances and regular hazard spotting inspections.

3.16 Stress at Work

• Proactive – periodic Stress Risk Assessment is performed in order to identify how levels of stress (caused by work) amongst staff can be reduced
• Reactive – individuals who are identified to be suffering from excessive levels of stress (caused by work or personal issues) are supported.

3.17 Supervision of Pupils

• Sensible, safe behaviour will be promoted to pupils by all members of staff
• Dangerous or risky behaviour displayed by pupils will be addressed and dealt within the school rules
• Pupils will only be allowed into or stay in classrooms under adult supervision
• Appropriate supervision of toilet access will be in place

3.18 Training

• Health and Safety Training Needs are assessed as part of individual’s annual review
• Training needs may also be identified as part of a risk assessment process

3.19 Violence at work / Lone Working

• A risk assessment is carried out for violence at work and lone working

3.20 Working at Height

• Working at heights is done under strict supervision
• Teaching and other staff who assist in putting up displays in school have been given appropriate in-house training and advised that they must:

• Use appropriate access equipment – step ladders, kick stools etc.
• Wear flat shoes whilst putting up displays
• Not climb on furniture to put up displays

3.21 Fire drills

Fire drills will be carried out at least termly. The purpose of fire drills is to evacuate everyone to a place of safety as quickly as possible where they will be checked against the attendance registers.

Suitable arrangements must be in place for evacuating those with disablement or with special educational needs.

3.22 Cleaning of premises

The School’s premises are cleaned by the approved cleaning contractor in accordance with safety and hygiene standards   

Specification for the cleaning is held by the school administrator.

Any problem relating to the cleaning should be made primarily to the Site Logistics Officer, and then to the School Administrator.

Cleaning contactors will be provided with the school’s specific specification over and above their standard cleaning arrangements.

At a minimum, cleaning should be done as per Covid-19 regulations.

The following cleaning routines will apply

• Toilets should be cleaned hourly with detergents
• Kitchen should be cleaned immediately after every use
• Offices to be cleaned in the morning hours before work and after closure
• Floors should be cleaned with detergents after school hours hoovered in the morning before start of school
• Carpet areas should be hovered daily after school hours
• Playground should be cleaned daily after school hours
• School’s compound should be cleaned every Friday after school hours.

3.23 Covid-19 Regulations

The head Teacher and team should ensure strict compliance with all COVID-19 protocols issued by Government