HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Reviewed September 2021 Next Review September 2022

To be agreed at GB meeting November 2022

Safety Policy Statement

This statement is issued in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). It supplements the Statements of Health and Safety Policy, which have been written by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and by the Education Department. The general aims of these policy statements are accepted and the arrangements set out below are designed to implement the general aims of Norbury Hall Primary School. The Headteacher of Norbury Hall Primary School, Mrs Jacqui Ames, fully accepts responsibility under the “Health and Safety at Work Act 1974” to provide the resources to ensure the health, safety and welfare of both staff and pupils. The school is committed to identifying, then eliminating or controlling, any hazards encountered in the school or on the site. The Headteacher will monitor this safety policy and revise it as necessary. The school is also committed to the safety and welfare of others, not employed by the school, who may be affected by the activities of the school, i.e. pupils and visitors. This statement, together with the safety policy, will be communicated to all members of staff via the school’s regular training sessions and through induction training for new staff. A copy of the policy is displayed in the staff room.

Signed J.Ames
Headteacher Date. November 2021

Signed C. Garner
Chair of Governors Date. November 2021

Roles and Responsibilities. Governors

Whilst Governors do not have to actually implement the health and safety policy of the school, they do have a role in ensuring that:

the school has a suitable health and safety policy in place and that it is acted upon.
the health and safety policy is fully implemented and therefore the Governors will be discharging their legal requirement of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the school’s employees and the health and safety of those not in their employment i.e. pupils, parents, visitors and contractors.
the senior school management operates safe school premises with safe equipment, materials and substances.
the policies and standards laid down by the LA are adhered to. To ensure that the above are in place it will be necessary for the Governors to annually inspect the school and ask specific questions of senior school management to ensure compliance.

The Health and Safety Governor is Carolyn Garner as nominated and agreed at the Autumn Term meeting 2017 Full Governing Body meeting.

Head Teacher

At Norbury Hall Primary School the Head Teacher, Jacqui Ames (JA) retains overall responsibility for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all the employees and the health and safety of pupils, visitors and contractors. The following duties relate to the Head Teacher and overall responsibility rests with the Head Teacher to ensure they are carried out. Head Teacher duties include activities organised on behalf of the school but being undertaken away from the school site. The Head Teacher will:

take day to day responsibility for all health and safety matters affecting the school
ensure effective communications on health and safety matters exist between the school and the Education’s Department Safety Advisers
ensure compliance with health and safety law
provide Governors with an annual report on matters affecting health and safety within the school
together with school staff, assess and control the risks to persons, from hazards within the school, and any of its activities, wherever they are undertaken
provide equipment and articles for the school that are adequate for their intended use, are correctly serviced and properly maintained
arrange for the withdrawal, repair or replacement of any item of furniture, fitting or equipment identified as being unsafe by Health and Safety inspection teams
ensure hazardous substances, i.e. cleaning substances, are properly used, stored and disposed of
maintain first aid and accident reporting systems that are suitable for the school
evaluate the need for health and safety training for school staff and arrange for its delivery
bring to the attention of the Governing body or the LA, any matter of health and safety that cannot be resolved or is of substantial or imminent danger to any person
monitor, within the limits of their expertise, the activities of contractors (in liaison with the staff of Stockport MBC Property Department), hirers and other organisations present on site, as far as is reasonably practicable
ensure arrangements for fire prevention within the school are adequate and that suitable arrangements are in place for testing the fire alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment, emergency lighting etc. and that records are maintained
ensure adequate fire drills are carried out and their results recorded o keep the school’s health and safety policy under review and bring any amendments to the notice of all staff
ensure that adequate emergency procedures exist in relation to fire, gas leak, intruder etc.
ensure that the school has access to competent health and safety advice.

Deputy Head Teacher

The Deputy Headteacher, Becky Wood (BW) will also assume the duties of the HT when deputising for the HT. It is therefore important that the DHT is fully familiar with all aspects of the school safety policy. In the absence of both the HT & DHT the responsibility will pass to the Assistant Head Teachers Julie Rice (JR) and Bridget Adnett (BA)

All Employees

All staff are responsible for the health and safety arrangements in relation to staff, students, pupils and volunteer helpers under their supervision. In particular, they monitor their own work activities and take reasonable steps to;

exercise effective supervision over all those for whom they are responsible, including pupils
be aware of and implement safe working practices and to set a good example personally
co- operate with those who have a duty to ensure health and safety by adhering to advice, instructions and procedures for health and safety
report any unsafe practices which come to their notice and identify potential and actual hazards
ensure that any equipment or tools used are appropriate to that use and meet accepted safety standards
provide adequate instruction, information and training in safe working methods including warning notices and signs, if necessary
provide appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment as necessary and ensure that these are used as required
follow the health and safety guidance set out in curricular and general policy documentation
investigate any accident (or incident where personal injury has or could have arisen) and take appropriate corrective action
where private vehicles are used to transport children to and from school functions, staff should ensure that restraints and seats appropriate to the age of the children concerned are used and that they have appropriate insurance cover
ensure that the policy for “Off-Site” visits is followed
participate with the school to improve the standard of health and safety o If in control of resources (both financial and other), due regard is given to safety

Site Supervisor

The Site Supervisor, Mike Wickens (MW) has very responsibilities in ensuring:

In the absence of the Site Supervisor these responsibilities are shared between the School Business Manager and the Headteacher.

staff within their control are adequately trained or instructed to perform the duties for which they are employed
the COSHH assessments have been carried out, are up to date, and the assessment sheets available to staff who need them
all staff using chemicals have been informed of the dangers from the chemicals they use and the control measures that are in place to prevent them from being harmed
all staff using chemicals are informed of the first aid treatment required in the event of them coming into contact with the chemicals
Risk Assessments have been carried out on all hazardous activities undertaken by the department i.e. using ladders, entering boiler rooms etc.
Policies and procedures are followed at all times
any new products used on site will have the necessary Safety Data Sheets, a written Risk Assessment completed before use and staff have been instructed on the product and its uses

WHENEVER AN EMPLOYEE IS AWARE OF ANY POSSIBLE DEFICIENCIES IN HEALTH AND SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS SHE/HE MUST DRAW THESE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE HEADTEACHER. Please note the following:-

It must be realised that newly appointed employees could be particularly vulnerable to any risk and it must be ensured that all relevant health and safety matters are drawn to their attention at an early stage.
Whilst it is a management responsibility to instruct all employees in safe working procedures in relation to their posts and work places, employees may from time to time find themselves in unfamiliar environments. In such cases, the employee concerned should be particularly alert for hazards, and whenever possible, ensure they are accompanied by a person familiar with the environment or that they are advised of specific hazards.
All volunteer helpers will be expected, as far as reasonably possible, to meet the same standards required of employees. Teachers and Classroom Assistants should ensure that voluntary helpers are familiar with Health and Safety practices.

Responsibilities of Pupils

All pupils are expected, within their expertise and ability, to:

exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and their fellow pupils
observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene (this would preclude unsuitable footwear, jewellery and other items considered dangerous)
observe all the safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of the teaching staff in the event of an emergency;
use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with things provided for safety purposes. N.B. The Governors and Headteacher will make pupils (and where appropriate the parents) aware of these responsibilities through direct instruction, notices and the school staff handbook.

Procedures

Administration of medication
Animals in school
Asthma
Accident reporting
Auditing the safety system
Blood, avoiding contamination
Chemical safety
Contractors
Electrical safety
Fire safety
First aid
Flammables
Health and safety assistance
Inspections of the school
Ladders and step ladders
Manual handling
Office safety
Off site visits
Pregnant workers
Risk assessments
Safety training
Security
Stress
Waste disposal

Administration of Medication in School

The school accepts the need for some pupils to receive medication during school hours. To this extent, the following people will administer medication under the guidelines shown in this procedure. Currently there are trained First Aiders –

FAW,
Schools First Aid,
FAW & Outdoor,
Paediatric First Aid

Defibrillator First Aid Trained

Only medication prescribed by a doctor will be accepted for administration.
The medication will only be accepted with written authorisation from the parent or guardian.
The written authorisation must contain clear instructions about the dosage and time of the administration.
A standard form will be issued by school for this permission to be given. It will normally contain a statement that the member of staff administering the medication does not claim to be any form of medical practitioner.
Medication will be administered in the presence of another member of staff.
First Aid is carried out in an allocated lockable room
Prescription Medication for use by pupils with an Individual Health Plan or short term requirement, is stored in a secure place; First Aid Room fridge, if it is necessary to be kept refrigerated.
On school trips, the trip leader will accept responsibility for the administration of medication in accordance with school policy
This Medication Policy will be brought to the attention of all parents in the school prospectus. See separate Managing Medicines Policy.

Animals in school. (Chickens included in risk assessment file)

Animals can play an important role in the education of children. Children can learn about their needs and characteristics. Only suitable animals should be used in the school and proper planning considered for their welfare, particularly during holiday times. Recognised publications should be used to determine suitable animals and should be available when keeping animals in school. This procedure is a guide to the precautions taken by the school.

Be aware that there are some animals and plants that cannot be taken from the wild.
Have a reliable reference book available on the animal such as those produced by the RSPCA.
Only obtain animals from reputable suppliers.
Ensure that children wash their hands before and after handling animals.
Animal houses to be kept clean and disinfected as required.
Do not allow contact between school animals and wild animals to avoid transmission of disease.
Do not allow children to bring dead or injured animals in to school.
If animals wander on to floors or tables wash afterwards.
Teach children how to handle the animals with care.
Any animal bites and scratches should be washed carefully. Seek medical advice if there is any risk of infection.

Asthma

Some children in the school are likely to have an asthmatic condition.
All children with asthma who have been hospitalised in the previous 12 months have IHPs (Individual Health Plans)
Guidelines for dealing with an asthmatic attack should be made known to all staff. (Details available at all First Aid boards)
Details of all of the children in the school who have an asthmatic condition are contained in the school medical register which all staff have access to.
Training is provided for staff annually.
All teachers should be aware of the location of each child’s inhaler and where spare ones are stored.
Refer to separate Managing Medical Conditions Policy.

Accident Reporting

All accidents should be recorded in the School Accident Book.
More serious accidents to pupils and any accidents to staff, visitors, or contractors should be notified to the LA using the standard pro-forma available from the office. Updated Dec 2016.
Notifiable injuries, as shown by the LA, should be declared to the Health and Safety Executive local office and the LA.
Where a child is taken directly to hospital from school, the Health and Safety Executive should be notified.
Where a child has suffered a head bump, a telephone call is made to advise the parent.
The accident book should contain the following information: name of injured person; time, date and place of the injury, what happened to cause the injury, the injury sustained and treatment given.
More serious accidents should be investigated to try to prevent it happening again. This investigation should be documented.

Auditing of the safety system.

A safety audit is carried out by the Headteacher and Health and Safety Governor every year, normally during the Summer Term, to ensure that it remains up to date and effective. During the audit, the management procedures shown in the safety policy are checked to ensure that they are still put into practice and that staff are aware of them.

Part of the audit will include: Ensuring fire signs and fire risk assessments are up to date.
Monitoring the accident book.
Monitoring evacuation procedures.
Agreeing priorities for the next academic year.

Blood – Avoiding Contamination

All staff should be familiar with this procedure before having to handle blood.

Wash hands first.
Put on disposable gloves.
Clean any wound as necessary or ask first aider to treat.
Dress any wound if necessary.
Dispose of the gloves and wipe or contaminated material in a plastic bag, seal if possible, and dispose of in the main bin. If there is a yellow bag system in place, use the yellow bag.
Wash hands thoroughly again.
Record incident in the accident book.

Chemical safety

The most hazardous chemicals used in the school are likely to be the cleaning chemicals used by the cleaners or caretaker. These should be kept locked away at all times when not being used. Teachers should not keep their own small stock, or spray, for their own cleaning jobs.

Chemicals and cleaning chemicals should always be stored in their own container with the original label and warnings showing clearly on the container.
Cleaner spray for whiteboards should be stored on a high shelf in the stock cupboards
Never use food or drink containers to store chemicals.
Keep only small quantities of the chemicals.
Any spillages should be cleaned up at once.
Teach children to recognise the orange warning symbols, which they may come across on household containers, such as bleach, disinfectants, lavatory cleaners, oven cleaners, paint strippers etc., and warn of the dangers
Ensure protective clothing is available when using chemicals
COSHH assessments must have been carried out before using chemicals and the user informed of the dangers and control measures to be in place for that chemical. A complete review of all the COSHH Risk Assessments was undertaken during June 2016. There should also be suitable first aid arrangements available for treating chemical splashes
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical stored and used on site should be received from the supplier/manufacturer with a copies kept close to the point of use and in the main H&S COSHH File Reference: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. See COSHH File see supporting information

Contractors On-Site.

Contractors on site will be supervised by the Head Teacher, Administrative Manager or Site Supervisor. As far as possible, school will liaise with Stockport MBC to ensure that checks are made for competence and insurance. ALL contractors visiting the school site MUST sign in/out using the Contractors visitor log during their visit ALL contractors undertaking work on the school site should complete the Contractors Register and wear visitors badges around school at all times. Where practical, contractors should provide Risk Assessments and Method Statements for any major work being undertaken; specifically Working At Height, Hot Works, Electrical Work, Boiler House or Confined Spaces.

Electrical Safety

Electricity is potentially the most dangerous thing in the school and must be treated with respect. The Electricity at Work Regulations impose certain duties on organisations to ensure the safety of those who may be affected by it. The following procedure are adhered to in the use of electricity: o All portable electrical appliances are tested annually or biannually, according to the equipment and how/where it is used and outcomes recorded in the PAT Register

Staff are instructed to visually check each item of electrical equipment before it is used. Look for signs of burning, damaged cables and plugs, loose covers etc.
Any faults must be reported to the Head Teacher immediately and the equipment taken out of use until it is suitably repaired.
No one is allowed to work on any electrical circuitry or equipment unless competent to do so.
Be aware of the dangers of trailing cables and do not have trailing cables across walkways.
Four way extension blocks should, where appropriate be secured to the wall or computer trolley to prevent them being tangled in feet. This prevents tripping hazards and damage to equipment.
The fixed electrical installation should be tested at five yearly intervals. see supporting information
Fire Safety.
Fire drills are carried out at least once per term. The time taken to evacuate the school is recorded. If it takes longer than the recognised time (less than two minutes), then we investigate and consider carrying out the drill again.
It may be that during the fire drill, we notionally block off one of the escape routes to more closely simulate a fire situation.
The electric fire alarm system is tested by an approved contractor on an annual basis.
Any faults on the systems are reported to the contractor immediately.
Break glass points are tested regularly from a different point each time.
Emergency lighting is regularly tested.
All records of the alarm system tests and fire drills are kept.
Fire assembly points are known by all.
Registers must be taken to the assembly point to carry out a roll call. o Fire extinguishers are serviced regularly.
Fire exits are checked to ensure that they are not blocked.
Fire exit doors are checked regularly to ensure that they are in good condition and can be opened and evidence recorded.
Fire signs are adequate and updated to comply with recent changes to regulations.
All staff, and particularly supply teachers, are made aware of the fire arrangements. Reference: P.1. Fire Prevention and Emergency Evacuation revised Dec 2014 P.2. Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Jan.2001 see supporting information 11. First Aid
The school will endeavour to have a minimum of 6no FAW qualified first aiders to allow for cover during school visits. Where possible the remaining staff will have received the basic one day first aid training.
A list of the qualified first aiders is available on the Safety Noticeboards placed strategically throughout the school (KS1 Emergency Exit, Glazed Link, Staff Room, Main Entrance, Year 6/Speech & Language Centre). All staff, including supply teachers are made aware of the First Aiders and their location

First aid kits are available in the school and their contents checked and replenished as necessary by the nominated person. Only first aid items may be held in a first aid kit. There must be no creams, lotions, tablets etc. in the kit.

Portable first aid kits must be available, suitably stocked and taken on all visits away from the school.

In the event of a more serious injury, such as:

Unconsciousness, severe bleeding, object stuck in throat, deep cut that may require stitching, suspected fracture, severe asthma attack, severe reaction to bites or stings, swallowing or suspected swallowing of toxic substance Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance CALL PARENTS IMMEDIATELY. The procedure for contacting the emergency services is displayed by each telephone across the school. STAFF WILL ALSO ADVISE THE MOST SENIOR MEMBER OF STAFF AVAILABLE see supporting information.

Flammable Liquids

Following an assessment of the requirement for storing and using any flammable liquid on the school site the ONLY requirement is that of the Leaf Blower machine used specifically by the Site Supervisor or his deputy. The machine and the petrol fuel required will be stored in a suitable lockable metal container, separate from the main school buildings and marked accordingly with suitable warning signs away from sources of combustion in an external location clearly marked. This will be recorded in the Fire Safety Policy and marked on the Fire Plan. A separate Risk Assessment is recorded as part of the Health & Safety and COSHH procedures. Quantities of fuel should be kept to a minimum not exceeding 5 litres at any one time. In addition, some cleaning items are flammable and some highly flammable. Where these items are used, no large quantities will be stored. Deliveries and orders will kept to a minimum. Where such items are required in the school, they will be stored in a suitable, locked metal cabinet, in the Site Supervisor’s store.

Health and Safety Assistance. To satisfy its legislative requirements of having access to a competent person, the school seeks the assistance of the health and safety department of the Local Authority. This department will provide advice and guidance on health and safety law and what the school needs to do to comply with that law.

Inspections of the School

The school is inspected regularly by the Head Teacher and the Site Supervisor for any defects that could lead to an accident or ill health of any occupant. These inspections are carried out normally once per term and the results briefly recorded in the school log or inspection book and actions. The health and safety representative for the school is invited to accompany these inspections. The nominated Governor will carry out a safety inspection with the HT on an annual basis.

Ladders and Stepladders

Extending ladders. Where extending ladders are used, normally by the Site Supervisor, then proper instruction or training should have been received. It is recognised that this training could have been received during previous employment i.e. used to be a Fire Fighter and received training from the Fire Service. Roof work, even retrieving balls, should not be undertaken during windy or severe weather. Reference: G.11. Manual Handling of Loads Stepladders, kick stools. There are sufficient stepladders or kick stools provided around the school to prevent staff from using chairs for access to high shelving or putting up displays. Staff have received basic instruction in the use of step ladders to ensure that they are aware that they must not have any degree of side loading and that the top step should not be stood on, unless it is designed for this, and has a suitable rail to support the user. Staff are provided with training, information and guidance on using steps in school. This information is also available via the schools intranet. There should not be any chairs in store cupboards. All ladders will be inspected regularly with a record kept of condition. Any ladder of steps not in good order will be destroyed.

Manual handling

All staff are made aware of the risks associated with manual handling. Staff are advised to avoid manual handling as much as possible. Manual handling includes lifting, pulling, pushing, moving and carrying. Where there are manual handling tasks to be carried out then a suitable risk assessment is carried out to determine if the risk can be reduced. It is recognised that this could be particularly important if school has disabled pupils who may need assistance for certain tasks. Where a manual handling assessment for a pupil is needed, it is likely it is recognised that specialist assistance will be required. Where staff have to carry out manual handling operations then the appropriate level of training will be provided. Seeking assistance with the task can often reduce the risks for simple handling tasks.

Office Safety

ALL office space and ancillary work-stations/areas will be maintained so as to provide a safe working area for the user in accordance with good practice Ref: Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations Ref: DSE Regulations The office is checked to ensure that trailing cables from computers do not cause tripping hazards. All staff will undertake a Display Screen Assessment during the year to ensure that the administrative manager, school clerical officers and other users are not exposed to risks from repetitive strain injury or work related upper limb disorder. All staff are involved in the assessment. There should be adequate storage provided for files etc. Space under the desk and open floor areas are not used for storage.

Off-Site Visits. (Refer to Educational Visits Policy)

An off-site visit is any visit where the children are taken away from the school site.
Risk Assessments will be completed and documented for all off site visits. Where the visits are regular visits, such as to the church or swimming pool, the risk assessment will be completed then reviewed each term or year as necessary.
All LA or DfES guidelines are to be followed before any off site visits take place. All necessary documentation is to be completed before the visit takes place.
All school guidance should be followed
Where activity providers are used then their competency is to be checked and recorded.
The risk assessment process determines the level of first aid cover on the visit. First aid kits are always taken on the visit.

All arrangements for off site visits must be checked by the Head Teacher/EVC before the visit commences. Reference: Educational Visits Policy Swimming Guidelines Educational Visits and Journeys.

Pregnant Workers

Female staff should notify the Headteacher as soon as is reasonable when they become pregnant. The Headteacher will arrange for an appropriate Risk Assessment to be carried out to ensure that the duties performed do not cause her, or her unborn child, any harm.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be carried out by the school to comply with legislative requirements. The Risk Assessments will be led by senior school management, but will include as many staff as possible. It is recognised that Risk Assessments are better carried out by several people together rather than as an individual exercise. The Risk Assessments will look at the hazards encountered, who may be harmed by them, how they may be harmed, the control measures that are in place or need to be put in place. The findings of the risk assessment will be brought to the attention of staff and the assessment reviewed and revised as necessary. The review will take place at least annually but will also take place in the event of an occurrence or if there are changes that require it, such as building work being carried out at the school.

Staff Safety Training

The safety training needs of the school will be considered by senior school managers and the appropriate training arranged for staff. Safety training will be given to new or relief teachers as soon as they join the school. As an absolute minimum, this basic training should include the procedures for fire and first aid. They should also be made aware of this safety policy and the procedures for implementing it. The Head Teacher will arrange refresher training as necessary.

Security

In 2011 doors were installed with fob keys. As part of the school expansion programme in 2013 a new reception and holding lobby was built to increase security at the front of house. School is kept as secure as possible at all times. Doors should not be left open where this would allow access to people.

Visitors

Visitors to the school are directed to the main reception by signs outside. Visitors, even regular visitors, contractors etc, are required to sign the visitor’s book at reception. If necessary badges are issued. If unknown visitors are encountered in the school, or not wearing a valid badge, refer to the intruder section below. Visitors should sign out at the end of the visit.

Valuable equipment

All valuable equipment should be security marked and an inventory compiled and maintained by the administrative manager. Personal property. Staff are responsible for the security of their own personal items. These can be locked in the stock cupboards or deposited in the office during the day. Pupils are discouraged from bringing valuables into school but Pupils can ask the class teacher to look after small quantities of money they may bring in to school. Parents are constantly reminded to identify pupils’ clothing by securing nametags to them. Cash handling. (See finance manual) Cash should not be stored on the premises for longer than necessary. Dinner money is collected in accordance with LA guidelines and use of security staff. Small amounts of money are kept in the safe in the office.

Intruders

Visitors to school should wear a badge to identify genuine visitors from intruders. Intruders should be challenged, i.e. “Can I help you? Are you looking for reception? If the intruder is in a classroom, then help should be sought from the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. In the case of an intruder who will not leave on request, then the police should be called immediately.

Stress

The school has adopted the Education Personnel Guidance on Managing Stress at Work. All staff are aware that stress is a medical condition and is not a sign of weakness and that it should be discussed openly. Staff should be encouraged to support one another. Head Teacher and senior school managers should be aware of the signs of stress and how to deal with it. Stress is considered when carrying out the risk assessments for the school. Pay particular attention to signs of stress during difficult periods i.e. coming up to and during Ofsted inspections etc. School will adopt Work Life Balance procedures as adopted in policy

Waste

The arrangements for removing waste from the school are reviewed annually to ensure they remain satisfactory.