Supporting children and young people’s health and safety

1. 1 Describe how current health and safety legislation, policies and procedures implemented in the setting With reference to appended evidence C (Health and Safety Policy), the document clearly our School’s stance on health and safety. The school is “committed to doing all that we can to ensure that the children in our care are healthy, safe and enjoy emotional well-being. We also have a fundamental duty of care to the adults who work in and visit our school”. There are a number of key elements to the policy which ensure pupils and staff are kept safe and are healthy: Curriculum – to make children aware of being healthy and safe in all aspects of life in and out of the school environment

* School uniform – a designated uniform to help identify children that attend our school, being easily identifiable helps to keep them safe when out on trips etc * We have a safeguarding policy (appended evidence D) to ensure the safety and well-being of all children * School security – pass codes and locks on our doors, visitor badge system * Risk assessments – regularly conducted in each classroom/learning space along with assessments conducted prior to any offsite trip * Fire and emergency procedures – posters in each classroom detailing what to do in the event of a fire and/or emergency, regular practice fire evacuations, regular first aid training of staff * E-safety policy – to protect children when learning through the internet 1. 2 Describe how health and safety is monitored and maintained in the setting The schools governing body has a named governor responsible for health and safety. The governing body in consultation with professional advisors, carry out regular risk assessments and safety surveys.

The Health and Safety is reviewed annually, or at any time on request by the governing body. Staff and children are encouraged to report any concerns regarding health and safety immediately. 1. Describe how people in the setting are made aware of risks and hazards, and encouraged to work safely Our school curriculum teaches children at our School about health and safety. This enables them to become equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to live safe, healthy, positive lives as they grow up. The Health and Safety Policy (appended evidence C, section 3. 1) describes how in Key Stage 1 children are taught about the danger of fire and other hazards and how to avoid accidents.

During science lessons safety is key during experiments, and in our PE lessons we ensure children understand how to use equipment safely so not to cause injury to themselves or others. 1. Identify the lines of responsibility and reporting for health and safety in the setting 3. 1 Outline the importance of taking a balanced approach to risk management When working with children it is very important to take a balanced approach to risk management. We should encourage children to take some risks within the controlled and safe environment of school, so that they can explore and develop themselves. By overprotecting and over risk assessing we potentially are supressing a child’s own awareness and ability to make sound risk assessments when they grow up and enter the adult world. By giving a child more independence their confidence will grow.

We should ensure that learning environments are suitable for the age group and needs and abilities for each child present – correct seating size, equipment, information on important displays such as fire awareness and e-safety. We should promote risk awareness by encouraging sensible behaviour, helping children to identify possible risks and of course the solutions to resolve the risk. For example if it has been raining prior to break time, make sure children are advised of which areas to keep away from and why “please keep off the wooden decking area, the rain will have made it quite slippy and we wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt. It would be better if you played in x,y,z”