Forster Park and Rangefield Schools

Health and Safety Policy

Reviewed by: Suzanne Deadman, Executive School Business Manager

Ratified by: Resources Committee, 05 06 2025

Next Review: Spring Term 2025

Introduction

This health and safety policy applies to both Forster Park and Rangefield Schools as part of Oakbridge Federation. Where the arrangements differ, this will be documented within the policy.

Health & Safety Policy Statement of Intent

The Oakbridge Federation in line with London Borough of Lewisham guidance, believes that people are its most important asset and is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its employees and other persons who are liable to be affected by its activities.  It considers health and safety to be an integral part of its business performance and will aim to achieve continual improvement in standards through the setting of targets for their achievement. 

The Children and Young Person’s Directorate of the London Borough of Lewisham delegates the responsibility for health and safety to Governing Bodies, Head Teachers (Executive Head Teachers) and Management – with Head of schools having direct responsibility for activities and employees under their control. 

The prevention of accidents, injury or loss is essential to the efficient operation of the School. The aim of senior management, with the assistance of the governing body, is to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for staff, pupils and visitors. The executive headteacher and governing body will ensure that sufficient information and training is provided to all employees and visitors to the school. The governing body will ensure resources are available to manage the health and safety risks within the school.

The arrangements outlined in this statement and the various other safety provisions cannot completely prevent accidents or ensure safe and healthy working conditions. The Executive Head Teacher will take all reasonable steps to identify and reduce hazards to a minimum but to achieve a safe working environment all employees and pupils must appreciate that their safety and others’ also depends on their individual conduct and vigilance while on the School premises or while taking part in School sponsored activities.

The headteacher and governors recognise the guidance contained in the HSE (Managing for health and safety – HSG65) and intend to follow the good practice recommendations that they make.

Objectives

The objectives of the Health & Safety policy are:

  • to promote high standards of health, safety and welfare in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and other statutory instruments, approved codes of practice and updates from Lewisham Council
  • ensure that places and methods of work are safe and healthy through the arrangements set out in ‘General Procedures‘ and others that are adopted from time to time as appropriate to changing circumstances
  • protect personnel, whether they be employees, pupils, members of the general public and their children visiting the school, or contractors and their employees, from any foreseeable hazards
  • ensure adequate training, instruction, supervision and information is given to all employees in order that they may work in safety insofar as is reasonable and practicable
  • ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel and that there are sufficient facilities and arrangements for their welfare
  • ensure that awareness with regard to all aspects of safety is fostered by all personnel
  • ensure personnel are aware of their responsibility to take any steps necessary in order that the health and safety of both themselves and others may be safeguarded, and to co-operate in all aspects with regard to safety
  • ensure that full and effective consultation on all matters is encouraged

Clear written systems and procedures that manage activities have a vital role to enable risk environments to be adequately controlled and managed and copies of risk assessments are available.

Legislation

This policy is based on advice from the Department for Education on health and safety in schools and the following legislation:

Sections of this policy are also based on the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Organisational Arrangements, People & Resources

Roles & Responsibilities
The responsibilities of individuals within the school are as follows:-

Governing Body
The governing body, as the employer has a duty to:

  • Assess the risks to staff and others affected by school activities in order to identify and introduce the health and safety measures necessary to manage those risks
  • Inform employees about risks and the measures in place to manage them
  • Ensure that adequate health and safety training is provided
  • Ensure that adequate resources are available to ensure that the school premises is maintained and kept in a safe condition
  • Ensure that there are adequate facilities for use by staff, pupils and visitors to the school
  • Review and monitor the effectiveness of this policy

The ultimate responsibility for all aspects of health and safety at work rests with the board of governors.

Executive Headteacher
Responsible for the effective implementation of the health and safety policy and for ensuring that staff adhere to the health and safety arrangements. In the absence of the executive headteacher, the heads of schools will assume these duties. This involves:

  • Implementing the health and safety policy
  • Ensuring there is enough staff to safely supervise pupils
  • Ensuring that the school building and premises are safe and regularly inspected
  • Providing adequate training for school staff
  • Reporting to the governing board on health and safety matters
  • Ensuring appropriate evacuation procedures are in place and regular fire drills are held
  • Ensuring that in their absence, health and safety responsibilities are delegated to another member of staff
  • Ensuring all risk assessments are completed and reviewed
  • Monitoring cleaning contracts, and ensuring cleaners are appropriately trained and have access to personal protective equipment, where necessary

Head of Schools
Each Head of School is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day requirements regarding health and safety at work are met within their areas of concern. Where any new process or operation or substance is introduced into the area of their responsibility, they are to liaise with the Health & Safety lead so that the associated risks are assessed, and any precautions deemed necessary are implemented.

Health and Safety Lead
The nominated health and safety lead is the executive school business manager (ESBM), who will be responsible for inducting new members of staff, including agency workers. The ESBM will oversee the management of the premises, ensuring statutory compliance and information sharing.

Premises Manager
The Premises Manager is responsible for the implementation and operation of the school’s health & safety policy within regard to its building and all statutory compliance. The Premises Manager is responsible for making recommendations to senior leaders (SLT) regarding any defects in the premises, its plant, equipment and facilities which relate to or may affect the health of staff, pupils and others. The Premises Manager is also responsible for fire safety including carrying out of termly fire drills, weekly call point tests, escape routes, maintenance of system, checking of fire safety equipment and elimination of potential fire risks. The Premises Manager is also responsible for undertaking risk assessments and bringing any concerns to the attention of the SLT. The Premises Manager is responsible to manage contractors who are working on the school site and for ensuring they work in safe and compliant manner. Some elements of the above may be delegated to a competent premises assistant.

Teachers
Teachers are responsible for the health, safety and well-being of the children in their classroom. Any accidents in the classroom or other areas of the school during curriculum time should be investigated and reported to a member of SLT and prompt remedial action taken where necessary. Any concerns about potential hazards in the class or other areas of the school must also be reported.

Employees
Employees have a responsibility to ensure that they act with all reasonable care with regard to the health and safety of themselves, other members of the school, contractors, and members of the public. They are required to co-operate with line managers, safety representatives and the Health and Safety Lead, and to adhere to safety guidance given in helping to maintain standards of health and safety within the school.

Pupils
The children are expected to exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and other school users. To observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene (this would preclude unsuitable footwear, studded belts and other items considered dangerous). They should observe all the safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of a responsible adult given in an emergency or potentially hazardous activity e.g. using electrical equipment. They are expected to take an active interest in promoting health and safety and be aware of assessing their own risks.

Appointed First Aiders
The first aiders will be directly responsible to the executive headteacher for the implementation and operation of the school’s first aid provision. As part of their day-to-day responsibilities, they will ensure that first aid is administered when required, provide cover for the playground and school trips (where possible) and complete reporting paperwork and parental slips. First aiders will receive training and refresher training in line with HSE guidance.

Fire Marshalls
Appointed staff will undertake the role of a fire marshall in the school and Nursery. They will be responsible for sweeping their dedicated areas, reporting back to the fire controller and assisting people to exit the building, during a planned and unplanned evacuation. They will receive training in order for them to be able to undertake their roles effectively.

Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC)
The EVC will undertake the appropriate training which will enable them to undertake educational visits risk assessments. They will ensure all the health and safety risks have been identified and apportion suitable control measures.

Office Staff
The office staff will ensure that an accurate record is kept of all pupils, staff and visitors who are on site, using the school electronic signing in system. They must ensure that emergency contact details are up-to-date and accessible off site. The office staff receive medications from parents to be administer to children, they must ensure they following the guidance in the administration of medicines policy,

Contractors
It is the responsibility of contractors and their employees to read and comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy which is emailed to them via the school’s Inventry sign in system. The premises manager will carry out an induction of H and S requirements with contractors and be responsible for monitoring contractors.Partners and External Agencies (providing services in the school)
Outside agencies providing services to the school will have completed a letting policy, contract or memorandum of understanding which as part will ensure they are aware of their health and safety responsibilities. They have a responsibility to take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and of any person or child who might be affected by their acts of omission at work. It is their responsibility to read and comply with the school Health and Safety Policy.

Visitors and Members of the Public
Visitors to the school will be required to observe the safety rules displayed in the school’s electronic signing in system on entry to the school.

School and Trade Union Health and Safety Representatives
The executive headteacher and governing body recognise the legal duty to allow safety representatives to carry out their duties in the school. They will ensure they are able to access information on health and safety matters.

Planning & Implementation

Staff Consultation

  • Relevant staff will be consulted and asked for their input on the Health & Safety policy by the executive headteacher
  • A formalised annual review of the policy will be undertaken
  • Staff will be encouraged to report any health and safety concerns to the executive headteacher who will then report issues to the Premises Manager. If it is an emergency staff are encouraged to report directly to a member of SLT in order for immediate action to be taken

Staff Information

  • Staff will have access to a copy of the Health & Safety policy & procedures through the shared area on the school’s server and on ‘staff zone’ on the school website and are asked to read and sign that they have read the policy every September.
  • Changes or new procedures will be communicated to all employees as necessary
  • Key health & safety information will also be included in the ‘staff zone’

Information for Pupils, Visitors, and Contractors

  • Information for pupils will be given at assemblies and in certain lessons as required
  • Information for parents is available on the school website and in letters and newsletters
  • Information for visitors including temporary staff will be given verbally and through the school’s electronic signing in system
  • Information for contractors will be given by the premises manager at time of agreeing works, verbally and through the electronic signing in system.

Staff Training & Competencies

Staff competencies will be considered at recruitment and as part of the performance management process annually. Additional training for specific staff (SLT, EVCs, premises staff, first aiders) in line with Lewisham Council and the HSE. Staff working with individual children who have needs will receive individual training on positive/manual handling and refreshers as required.

Training matrix for referenceDownload

Premises Safety Inspections

The Governor with responsibility for Health and safety will undertake a premises safety inspection every term. This comprises of a premises inspection in conjunction with SLT. Potential hazards are noted during the inspection. The executive headteacher reports to governors termly on premises issues. Additionally, the premises staff carry out daily visual inspections. The schools employ a health and safety consultant, who undertakes and annual inspection and produces a report.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be undertaken to cover all aspects of the premises and more details on areas that are risk assessed can be found via the link at the end of this policy and on the school server.  The assessment identifies hazards and provides remedial action or risk control measures. Training will be provided where appropriate to the relevant staff.

Risk assessments will be carried out by those people as identified above in the organisation section. Risk assessments will be reviewed annually unless there is occasion to review earlier. Risk assessments (and thus the procedure) will always be reviewed following an accident or incident, change of personnel, building works or other occasions that are identified.

Wherever possible, risk assessments will be undertaken two people (the responsible post-holder and another senior member of staff or member of staff most likely to be affected by undertaking the task and suffering the consequences of unsafe conditions) to ensure the final judgment reflects a balanced view.  The results of risk assessments will be reported to the executive headteacher and governors for consideration and discussion of possible control measures. 

Risk Assessment Methodology

The following methodology, as recommended by the London Borough of Lewisham, will be used to assess risk:-

  1. Hazards identified through inspections, discussions, reviewing of accident statistics, review of any H&S concerns reported by staff
  2. Categories of individuals potentially at risk – some hazards may present a special or high risk to certain individuals such as pregnant women, new employees, individuals with disabilities or conditions, lone workers or children
  3. Scale of the risk assessed taking account the number of people who might be affected in one incident, individuals particularly at risk, concentration of substances, heights, weights etc and details of previous incidents
  4. Potential severity of harm – i.e. parts of the body likely to be affected, nature of the harm (ranging from slight to extremely harmful
  5. Potential likelihood of staff/visitors/pupils carrying out unsafe acts through lack of knowledge, underestimation of the practicality and usefulness of safe working methods, short cuts being taken to complete tasks
  6. Control recommendations identified to eliminate risk altogether or to reduce levels of risk through adaptation of working practices, introduction of planned maintenance, setting up of emergency arrangements, purchase of protective equipment or use of new technologies.

Advice on Meeting Legal Requirements

As a community school, the executive headteacher as an employee of LBL, will use a competent Health & safety person.

The head will inform the Director of Lewisham education of any visit or discussion with the Health and Safety Executive or London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. The school must inform the authority immediately if any improvement or enforcement notice (including a LFEPA A13 letter) is received from the HSE or the LFEPA.

Reviewing & Monitoring

The EXH & ESBM will monitor the risk assessment process. Together with the Governors they will review risk assessments, consider and assess the potential impact and knock on effects of the possible control measures which could be introduced and the viability of the financial implications. The agreed actions will then be used to update the policies and procedures and responsibility/timelines agreed for the measures to be put into place.

They will also assess all accident statistics on a termly basis, looking at trends, at whether they are being reported correctly and that follow up action has been taken. This should then be reported to a Governing Body meeting. The ESBM will annually monitor the Health and Safety policy to ensure that it is still relevant and workable. All employees will be informed of any changes made through the staff website as deemed most suitable.

General Procedures and Safety Arrangements

Introduction

The safety arrangements set out below are for the information, guidance and compliance of all staff, children, contractors and visitors to adhere to at the Oakbridge Federation. If the arrangements differ for each school, the details will be documented.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

Minor incidents or accidents should be recorded on Scholarpack the schools MIS system by the first aider. All accidents, incidents and ‘near misses’, in the first instance should be reported to SLT and the accident book completed. Parents should be notified in line with the accident or incident procedure that can be downloaded below.

Accidents that fall under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, (RIDDOR), should be reported via the following link within the legal timescale: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/. There are timescales when these accidents / incidents must be reported. 

All significant accidents or incidents that are considered to be dangerous and near-miss situations are to be reported a member of SLT. They will ensure that an immediate investigation into the incident is carried out in order to identify the cause of the accident and that measures are taken to prevent a reoccurrence. Investigations such as these are essential in order that accidents, damage to equipment and property, and losses are kept to a minimum. All contractors must ensure that accidents involving their personnel are reported to the premises manager or school business manager, as well as their own reporting chain.

Accident or Incident Procedure

Accident-Flowchart

Administration of Medicines

At Oakbridge we will only administer medicines that are essential where it would be detrimental to a child’s health if the medicine were not administered during the school day. Medicines should always be provided in the original container as dispensed by a pharmacist and include the prescriber’s instructions for administration. We will never accept medicines that have been taken out of the container as originally dispensed nor make changes to dosages on parental instructions.

It is helpful, where clinically appropriate, if medicines are prescribed in dose frequencies, which enable it to be taken outside school hours. Parents could be encouraged to ask the prescriber about this. For example, for medicines that need to be taken three times a day could be taken in the morning, after school hours and at bedtime. Where this is not possible the parent can request to the school via the Permission to Administer Medicine Form for a member of staff to administer their child with the prescribed medicine.

Where more complex medications are required, for example: epi-pens, staff will receive the requisite training.

Administration of Medicines Policy

Parental Agreement to Administer Medicine – Rangefield

Parental Agreement to Administer Medicine – Forster Park

Animals

We believe a school is a place where ‘children grow, learn and flourish together’. Encouraging children to take an interest in animals can have a positive effect on them and can be used to improve human and animal welfare.

A risk assessment must be completed before it is agreed that a pet can be brought into Forster Park or Rangefield School. 

Pet Policy

Asbestos

A full management survey of asbestos materials within school building was completed by Lewisham Council in 2012 for all community schools. A copy is available from the Premises Office.  

It is forbidden to drill into, dismantle or open up any of the fabric, structure or fixtures of the building without referring first to this survey.

Persons carrying out maintenance or building work, including the Premises Manager and contractors working on site, should not expose themselves or others to risk from asbestos. Further information and guidance must be sought from the Health and Safety Team of Lewisham C&YPS. There is a Management of Asbestos Policy (version 7.0) within the Lewisham C&YPS Schools Premises Manual.

Any works taking place on site will be overseen by the Premises Manager who will identify the areas containing asbestos or suspected to contain asbestos before the works commence. 

All staff have been sent the Asbestos Aid Memoire, which is available in ‘staff zone’ for all new members of staff. The aid memoire can be viewed below.

Management of Asbestos Policy

Asbestos-Management-Plan-Rangefield-School-2023-2024
Asbestos-Management-Plan-Forster-Park-School-2023-2024
Asbestos Aide Memoire

Cleaning

Aqua Blue (cleaning contractor) are responsible for producing risk assessments for their cleaning products, training their staff and keeping a COSHH manual detailing all the cleaning products which they use in the building. They are also responsible for ensuring these products are stored safely and securely at all times. The Premises Manager will review and monitor the safety of the storage arrangements as part of his monitoring of the cleaning and building walk-rounds.

Any concerns must be reported to a member of SLT and to the cleaning company supervisors.

In the event of a child getting access to the storage area and swallowing or having a reaction to a product which requires medical attention, the first aid recommendations on the product sheet should be followed immediately and the details of the product must be given to the medical team (ideally with a copy of the fact sheet). In the event of an accident with, or an adverse reaction to, a product being used in the school, the risk assessment will be reviewed with a member of SLT and a decision taken on whether to revise the control measures or cease usage of the product immediately.

Contractors

Written quotations will be secured for work in advance, ideally from three potential contractors, prior to commencing work – unless in the case of emergency or routine maintenance of a bespoke system – i.e., intruder alarm, fire alarm etc.

All contractors who work on school premises are required to ensure safe working practices and must pay due regard to the safety of all persons using the premises in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and relevant legislation.

All contractors are given written information about their required conduct on site by the Premises Manager. Wherever possible repairs, installations of new fixtures and fittings and decorations will be conducted outside school hours. Where this is not possible, a member of SLT and the premises manager will monitor any potential hazards arising from inadequate measures being taken by contractors and take appropriate action.

In instances where the contractor creates hazardous conditions and refuses to eliminate them or to take action to make them safe, the Executive Headteacher will take such actions as are necessary to prevent persons in his/her care being exposed to the risk of injury.

Management of Contractors Policy

Contractors Code of ConductDownload

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Everyday people at work are exposed to hazardous substances. Examples include acids, inks, metals – e.g., nickel, cleaners/detergents, paints, disinfectants, solvents/degreasers, glues and adhesives, dyes and pesticides.

All hazardous substances will be kept out of reach of the children and never accessible. Staff are not permitted to bring in any hazardous substances from home without prior permission from the Premises Manager.

All chemicals held in the school will have a safety data sheet available and a risk assessment undertaken.

COSHH Policy

Disabled Persons including pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN)

The school will give full and proper consideration to the needs of disabled employees, pupils and visitors and SEN Pupils.

Disabled Persons

To achieve this, the school will:

  • Treat all disabled employees, pupils and visitors with respect and dignity, both in the provision of a safe working environment and in equal access to the school’s facilities. Special consideration will be given to the suitable welfare arrangements.
  • Ensure that risk assessments are undertaken of the special needs of the disabled and carry out reasonable adjustments to the premises and/or employment arrangements (for both permanent and temporary disabilities)
  • Where necessary an individual risk assessment for the work of the particular employee will be undertaken, taking into account abilities and disabilities. The risk assessment will cover not only the risks to the individual but also any additional risks which may be created if the individual is unable to assist / supervise pupils in anticipated emergency situations such as a fire or evacuation.

SEN Pupils

Risk assessment of pupils with Special Education needs will consider:

  • Manual handling of pupils with physical disabilities  – use of mechanical aids and equipment.
  • Pupils unable to recognise everyday hazards, communicate distress, or have unpredictable behaviours.
  • Ability move around independently (both permanently or temporarily).
  • Trips / visits off site.
  • Supervision levels.
  • Administering medical treatment(s).
  • Management of difficult behaviour and the use of positive handling

When required, the school will prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to document the procedure to follow (staff / pupils / visitors)  where mobility may be potentially difficult in the event of an emergency without assistance.

Relevant risk assessments will be reviewed regularly or when there is a change in the person’s health condition / job role / place of work / pupil medical condition / pupil behaviour / class

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

All staff that use a computer for a significant part of their working day or are designated as a computer user must complete a workstation (DSE) self-assessment if competent to do so. Where necessary the schools DSE trained assessor will complete an assessment for a designated user e.g. if staff not competent to do so.

Display Screen Equipment Policy

Drinking Water

Drinking water is only taken from the mains and is identified and labelled with suitable signage. The water will be tested and sampled annually by a suitable contractor.

Driving for Work

Driving at work remains one of the most common causes of serious injury and death at work. Staff must Never use their cars to transport pupils. In addition staff must not use their cars for school business unless they have the appropriate insurance and abide by the rules in the schools Driving for Work Policy.

Driving for Work Policy

Electrical Equipment

Hard wire electrical testing is carried out by an approved contractor every five years as per the statutory guidelines.  The Premises Officer has been designated to take responsibility for organizing this. Portable electrical equipment will be tested by a contractor on an annual basis. Any defective electrical equipment will be removed from use. Staff should report any damaged or faulty equipment to the Premises Manager.

Electrical Equipment & Hard Wiring Procedure

Emergencies

In the event of one of the following incidents:

  • Gun & Bomb Scares
  • Tragic/Serious Incidents at School
  • Civil Emergencies or serious health risk close to school
  • Flood/Seasonal Weather Conditions
  • Heating/Power/Water Failure or Gas Leak
  • Pandemic

Please refer to the business continuity plan.

Fire Prevention

Smoking is not permitted in the school, or the school grounds.

It is the policy of Oakbridge Federation to ensure that all employees, students, contractors and visitors are protected from the risks of fire.   With this aim appropriate fire prevention/precaution measures shall be taken.   Also, appropriate evacuation procedures shall be developed, implemented and periodically tested.   All persons shall be provided with sufficient appropriate fire awareness training and instruction.   All premises staff shall comply with relevant fire safety legislation and recognised good practice:

  • Emergency exits, assembly points and assembly point instructions are clearly identified by safety signs and notices. The fire risk assessment of the premises will be reviewed regularly.
  • Emergency evacuations are practised at least once a term.
  • The fire alarm is a loud continuous bell.
  • Fire alarm testing will take place once a week.
  • New staff will be trained in fire safety and all staff and pupils will be made aware of any new fire risks.

In the event of a fire:

  • The alarm will be raised immediately by whoever discovers the fire and emergency services contacted. Evacuation procedures will also begin immediately
  • Fire extinguishers may be used by staff only, and only then if staff are trained in how to operate them and are confident they can use them without putting themselves or others at risk
  • Staff and pupils will congregate at the assembly points.
  • Class teachers will take a register of pupils, which will then be checked against the attendance register of that day
  • A member of SLT will take a register of all staff
  • Staff and pupils will remain outside the building until the emergency services say it is safe to re-enter

The school will have special arrangements in place for the evacuation of people with mobility needs and fire risk assessments will also pay particular attention to those with disabilities.

In the event that a child or member of staff would need additional support to evacuate the building during an emergency, either their line manager or their class teacher will prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

Fire Procedure – Forster Park School

Fire Procedure – Rangefield School

First Aid

The federation is committed to providing sufficient numbers of qualified first aid personnel to deal with accidents and injuries and arranging for approved training as required.

The school will provide information and training on first aid to employees to ensure statutory requirements are met, operational needs are addressed, and first aid support is provided for staff and children. It will also ensure that all staff are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of illness or injury and provide adequate supplies for first aid equipment and facilities.

Any child with a specific medical, mobility or behavioural issue (i.e. likely to cause hurt to themselves or other children/staff) will have a personal risk assessment in place.

First Aid Policy

Allergies and Anaphylaxis Policy

Asthma Policy

Flammable Substances

All flammable liquids and substances will be kept to a minimum level. They will be kept in a dedicated flammables cabinet in a secure area. No petrol or diesel are held with the school buildings. Clear health and safety signage is displayed on the relevant storage facility.

Food Hygiene

When staff handle, prepare and cooking food, we the federation must ensure that they comply with all relevant legislation and Codes of Practice regarding Food Safety. The federation will:

  • Ensure robust food safety practices and management procedures are in place.
  • Train staff to a level appropriate to their responsibilities.
  • Promote awareness of the nature of food allergens and bring these to the attention of all relevant staff including the Catering provider (Nourish)
  • Undertake routine audits of food safety practices and management procedures, to ensure that the arrangements detailed in this policy observed and implemented.
  • Complete and maintain all necessary written records regarding operational and training procedures.

Food Hygiene Policy

Gas and Pressure Systems

All gas appliances (boilers, kitchen equipment etc) will be annually maintained and serviced by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. The Premises Manager will be responsible for ensuring regular services and maintenance issues are undertaken. Any defects or faults will be reported to the Head Teacher.

Premises and Senior Leaders are aware of the emergency procedures to deal with gas incidents and that they know the locations of emergency controls

Oakbridge Federation will take all necessary steps to comply with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.

It is recognised that the regulations apply to all pressure systems on site containing steam at any pressure, or a gas, or a liquid, or a mixture of both at a pressure greater than .5 bar (7psi). 61.

Oakbridge Federation will always appoint a Competent Person to carry out an annual examination of its pressure systems, and will provide adequate and suitable instructions to employees who have to operate / monitor pressure systems;

  • this may include onsite training
  • supervision
  • provision of data and, if necessary, schematic or flow diagrams to help with the identification of important controls, valves, etc.

Oakbridge Federation will ensure that its pressure systems are properly maintained in good repair so as to prevent danger and will ensure that it keeps the correct documentation.

This documentation will consist of the following:

  • a written scheme of examination of the pressure systems
  • the last report of examination of the pressure systems made by the Competent Person
  • any other reports if they contain relevant data to assist safe operation, or referring to repairs and modifications and
  • information referring to data supplied by the designers or manufacturers

Gas Safety Policy

Glazing

The Premises Manager is responsible for inspecting the glazing on a regular basis. Any glass replaced will be to the correct standard and consideration will be given to the activities undertaken in the area, the users, the height of the glass and any additional safety equipment that may be needed.

Glazing Procedure

Home Visits

Any home visits undertaken by staff will necessitate a robust risk assessment to be undertaken. The risk assessment will identify the risk to personal safety and to apply suitable control measures. The school office will be made aware of any staff undertaking home visits and their expected return times.

Housekeeping

Slips, Trips & Spills – Slips, trips and falls are the largest cause of accidents in public places. Tidiness, cleanliness and efficiency are essential factors in the promotion of health and safety. Accidents can be prevented by following the guidelines listed below.

  • Keep corridors and passageways unobstructed.
  • Ensure shelves in storerooms are stacked neatly and not overloaded.
  • Keep floors clean.
  • Do not obstruct emergency exits.
  • Inform the premises officer as soon as a spill is noticed

Flooring – Floors will be checked regularly be the Premises Manager to ensure they are stable, level, have no bumps or holes and are not slippery, carpets joins are maintained and assessed for any trip hazards. Any concerns will be reported to the Premises Team for discussion to agree control measures such as repair, replacement or provision of safety signs. All staff have a responsibility to report worn flooring, holes and cracks that could cause a tripping hazard to the Premises Officer by email, copying in the school business manager.

Cable Management – All staff are responsible for ensuring equipment is positioned so cables do not cross pedestrian routes. Cable covers should be used to fix cables to surfaces and ensure they are tucked out of the way. Staff who need assistance should raise this with the ICT technician or the Premises Officer.

Spillages – Spillages must be cleaned up immediately using an appropriate cleaning method. Staff should take care when carrying drinks around the school and use cups with lids.  Spillages must not be left.  Classroom assistants/meal supervisors are responsible for filling water jugs rather than children to reduce the number of spillages. Children must also be encouraged to report wet cloakroom floors to their teacher or the staff on duty so the wet floor signs can be put out and the floors mopped.

Coats/Book Bags – Class teachers and support staff are responsible for ensuring children hang up their coats and put their book bags on the hooks provided so they do not cause a potential tripping hazard in the corridors (which could prove fatal in the event of a fire).  Staff noticing bags/coats strewn across the floor have a responsibility to remove / tidy the items and notify the class they believe may be responsible for the hazard.  We have a collective responsibility to teach children to keep the environment tidy.

Tables/Chairs – Children should be briefed to ensure chairs are tucked away under tables and toys/equipment packed away to reduce the risks of trips and falls. Class teachers should ensure access routes are kept clear of desks and other equipment.

Housekeeping – Good housekeeping is essential. All staff have a responsibility to keep the working environment clean and tidy with floors and access routes kept clear of obstacles, boxes and files. 

Weather Conditions – In poor weather conditions, the Premises Manager is responsible for ensuring key pathways are gritted before staff and children start to arrive in the morning and at key intervals through the day as required.

Outdoor Hazards – When taking children on trips which involve walking in muddy fields, uneven ground or wet areas, the trip leader must ensure children are briefed on the footwear required for the trip. Children who do not have suitable footwear may need to be left behind if there is considerable risk.

Halls – The Premises Manager is responsible for checking the halls on a daily basis and putting away any equipment that has been left out and hanging up mats etc.

Playground – The Senior Midday Meals and meal supervisors are responsible for ensuring play equipment is cleared away at the end of lunch breaks. The Premises Officer is responsible for checking the playground morning and evening for rubbish and stray equipment that could cause a hazard.

Dining Hall – The meal supervisor on duty is responsible for clearing up (or bringing to the attention of the kitchen staff) any spillages that could cause slipping hazards.

Community Kitchen areas

  • Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen
  • Where necessary cupboards are locked to prevent access.
  • All surfaces are kept clean and are non-porous.
  • When children take part in cooking activities, they are supervised at all times; are kept away from hot surfaces and hot water; and do not have unsupervised access to electrical equipment.

Infection prevention and control

We follow national guidance published by the UK Health Security Agency and The Spotty Book (see below) when responding to infection control issues. We will encourage staff and pupils to follow the good hygiene practice, outlined below:

SPOTTY-BOOKDownload

Handwashing

  • Wash hands with liquid soap and warm water, and dry with paper towels
  • Always wash hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food, and after handling animals
  • Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings

Coughing and sneezing

  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue
  • Wash hands after using or disposing of tissues
  • Spitting is discouraged

Cleaning of the environment

  • Clean the environment, including toys and equipment, frequently and thoroughly

Cleaning of blood and body fluid spillages

  • Clean up all spillages of blood, faeces, saliva, vomit, nasal and eye discharges immediately and wear personal protective equipment
  • When spillages occur, clean using a product that combines both a detergent and a disinfectant, and use as per manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it is effective against bacteria and viruses, and suitable for use on the affected surface
  • Never use mops for cleaning up blood and body fluid spillages – use disposable paper towels and discard clinical waste as described below
  • Make spillage kits available for blood spills

Laundry

Personal protective equipment

  • Wear disposable non-powdered vinyl or latex-free CE-marked gloves and disposable plastic aprons where there is a risk of splashing or contamination with blood/body fluids (for example, nappy or pad changing)
  • Wear goggles if there is a risk of splashing to the face
  • Use the correct personal protective equipment when handling cleaning chemicals
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to control the spread of infectious diseases where required or recommended by government guidance and/or a risk assessment
  • Wash laundry in a separate dedicated facility
  • Wash soiled linen separately and at the hottest wash the fabric will tolerate
  • Wear personal protective clothing when handling soiled linen
  • Bag children’s soiled clothing to be sent home, never rinse by hand

Clinical waste

  • Always segregate domestic and clinical waste, in accordance with local policy
  • Used nappies/pads, gloves, aprons and soiled dressings are stored in correct clinical waste bags in foot-operated bins
  • Remove clinical waste with a registered waste contractor
  • Remove all clinical waste bags when they are two-thirds full and store in a dedicated, secure area while awaiting collection

Animals

  • Wash hands before and after handling any animals
  • Keep animals’ living quarters clean and away from food areas
  • Dispose of animal waste regularly, and keep litter boxes away from pupils
  • Supervise pupils when playing with animals
  • Seek veterinary advice on animal welfare and animal health issues, and the suitability of the animal as a pet

We will ensure adequate risk reduction measures are in place to manage the spread of acute respiratory diseases and carry out appropriate risk assessments, reviewing them regularly and monitoring whether any measures in place are working effectively.

We will follow local and national guidance on the use of control measures including:

Following good hygiene practices

  • We will encourage all staff and pupils to regularly wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser, and follow recommended practices for respiratory hygiene. Where required, we will provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Implementing an appropriate cleaning regime

  • We will regularly clean equipment and rooms, and ensure surfaces that are frequently touched are cleaned [twice a day]

Keeping rooms well ventilated

  • We will use risk assessments to identify rooms or areas with poor ventilation and put measures in place to improve airflow, including opening external windows, opening internal doors and mechanical ventilation

Pupils vulnerable to infection

Some medical conditions make pupils vulnerable to infections that would rarely be serious in most children. The school will normally have been made aware of such vulnerable children. These children are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox, measles or slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) and, if exposed to any of these, the parent/carer will be informed promptly and further medical advice sought. We will advise these children to have additional immunisations, for example for pneumococcal and influenza.

Exclusion periods for infectious diseases

The school will follow recommended exclusion periods outlined by the UK Health Security Agency and other government guidance.

In the event of an epidemic/pandemic, we will follow advice from the UK Health Security Agency about the appropriate course of action.

Notifying parents

The first aiders will inform parents of any accident or injury sustained by a pupil in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and any first aid treatment given, on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.

Reporting to child protection agencies

The executive headteacher will notify Lewisham Social Care of any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, a pupil in the Early Years Foundation Stage while in the school’s care.

Kitchen

The school caters, Nourish, are responsible for the day to day running and cleaning of the kitchen. The premises manager is responsible for ensuring fire fighting equipment is available and legionella inspections on the taps and water supply are carried out. All kitchen chemicals should be stored correctly. The premises manager will undertake regular audits of the chemicals held.

Legionella

The primary aim is to prevent the build-up of the Legionella Pneumophilla organisms in water systems and to prevent inhalation of infected water droplets. The water tanks and taps are tested annually by an approved contractor and chlorination of the tanks undertaken if the results indicate this is necessary.

The Premises Officer checks the temperature of the taps, both hot and cold, on a monthly basis to ensure the water temperatures are not within the range suitable for legionella bacteria. Results are recorded in a log-book which is kept in the PM office for inspection when required.  The school has full legionella testing carried out at the required intervals.

Drinking Water – Drinking water is only taken from the mains and is identified and labelled.

Water Management Policy – Forster Park

Water Management Policy – Rangefield

Lettings

The Premises & ESBM are responsible for briefing hirers on Health & Safety requirements. Hirers will be given a copy of the visitors’ information and a floor plan showing the location of the fire safety equipment and fire exits. They will also be shown the location of the first aid equipment and given an emergency contact number.

Lifts

There is a passenger and goods lift at Forster Park School. The lifts are visually inspected by the Premises Manager on a monthly basis. The lifts are serviced twice a year by a competent contractor and inspected by Bureau Veritas on behalf of Lewisham Council every six months. The platform lift in the hall has been decommissioned.

Lift Policy

Lone Working

People who work alone without interaction with other workers i.e. people who work in the building outside normal school/office hours (i.e. teachers/office staff working late, premises officer) and staff who work off site doing home visits or taking money to the bank are vulnerable and extra safety measures may be required.

People who work alone without interaction with other workers i.e. people who work in the building outside normal school/office hours (i.e. teachers/office staff working late, premises officer) and staff who work off site doing home visits or taking money to the bank are vulnerable and extra safety measures may be required.

Lone Working Policy

Manual Handling

It is up to individuals to determine whether they are fit to lift or move equipment and furniture. If an individual feels that to lift an item could result in injury or exacerbate an existing condition, they will ask for assistance.

The school will ensure that proper mechanical aids and lifting equipment are available in school, and that staff are trained in how to use them safely.

Staff and pupils are expected to use the following basic manual handling procedure:

  • Plan the lift and assess the load. If it is awkward or heavy, use a mechanical aid, such as a trolley, or ask another person to help
  • Take the more direct route that is clear from obstruction and is as flat as possible
  • Ensure the area where you plan to offload the load is clear
  • When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight, feet apart and angled out. Ensure the load is held close to the body and firmly. Lift smoothly and slowly and avoid twisting, stretching and reaching where practicable.

Manual Handling Policy

Mini-Bus

Oakbridge Federation is responsible for ensuring that the school minibus operated on behalf of the school or hired through the school is fully compliant in every respect, with all legal transport and health and safety requirements. This responsibility is delegated to the Executive Headteacher to ensure its appropriate implementation.

Minibus Policy

Noise

The federation must ensure that all work activities involving exposure to loud noise are adequately controlled to prevent damage to health. Noise-induced hearing loss is a commonly diagnosed industrial disease. As well as being caused by sudden, extremely loud noises, it can also develop slowly over a number of years of regular exposure to loud noise. Hearing damage caused by repeated noise exposure will become permanent and incurable.

Where noise exposure produces risk, the federation will supply hearing protection for its employees.

Off Site Visits

All personnel that arrange or actively participate in school visits or out-of-school activities must follow the procedures outlined in the School Visits policy.

Mini buses and coaches hired to carry 3 or more children aged between 3 and 15 years must be fitted with a seat belt for each child. The seats must face forwards and seat restraints must comply with current legal requirements. All passengers must wear seat belts at all times. The mini bus must also be fitted with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. A “children warning sign” must be displayed. If these requirements are not met, the trip cannot go ahead.

The trip leader must also include the following elements in the risk assessment for the journey:-

  • Emergency procedures for leaving the vehicle (pupils must be informed before the journey commences)
  • Safe pick-up/drop-off points identified taking into consideration the size and ability of the group
  • Sufficient breaks/stops or rests planned at suitable areas (group must disembark/rejoin on the nearside of the vehicle)
  • Head counts undertaken when getting on and off the vehicle
  • Travel sickness tablets can only be administered to a pupil with previous authorization from parents

PE and PE Equipment

PE equipment is checked annually by an approved contractor as part of the statutory checks. If staff have concerns about the safety of PE equipment between these times, this concern must be raised with a member of SLT and the item taken out of use immediately and clearly labelled.

Equipment must be carefully stored at the end of the lessons to ensure children do not make use of the equipment without suitable supervision and the items do not represent an H&S or tripping hazard.

PE mats must always be placed on the stand and stored away from fire escape routes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Where staff require PPE, the need is defined as an action on the risk assessment.  PPE equipment is managed by the premises staff and the medical staff who manage the stock, storage, maintenance and replacements.

We may have to develop new policies and procedures whilst updating existing arrangements such as First Aid, Infectious Diseases, Safeguarding etc

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

Pregnancy and New Mothers

A pregnancy risk assessment will be carried out whenever any employee or pupil notifies the school that they are pregnant.

Pregnancy Risk Assessment – Forster Park

Pregnancy Risk Assessment – Rangefield

Appropriate measures will be put in place to control risks identified. Some specific risks are summarised below:

  • Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has not already had the infection. Expectant mothers should report exposure to an antenatal carer and GP at any stage of exposure. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, so anyone who has not had chickenpox is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with a case of shingles
  • If a pregnant woman comes into contact with measles or German measles (rubella), she should inform her antenatal carer and GP immediately to ensure investigation
  • Slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) can occasionally affect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks), the pregnant woman should inform her antenatal care and GP as this must be investigated promptly

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. The federation ensures that all staff read and understand the Keeping Children Safe in Education Document and has completed the relevant safeguarding training.

School Events

When organising school events (i.e. summer fayre, Christmas concert, international evening etc) the event organizer will be responsible for preparing a short-written assessment of the activities/attractions that make up the event. All the potential hazards that could occur must be listed – remembering any materials, structures or machinery that might add to the risk of the event, such as ladders, water, fuel containers etc. The following activities/attractions MUST have an individual written assessment:-

  • Stands/Stalls
  • Displays involving animals, weapons, flames or special effects

Each activity at an event will have its own special hazards which could affect all or particular groups of visitors (i.e. unsupervised children, pregnant women, older people). These risks must be considered and a decision taken and recorded on how the risks can be reduced/managed and the precautions to be taken listed. All events should have an appointed safety officer and all staff/helpers given specific, named responsibilities with potential hazards/precautions listed.

Additionally, an emergency plan also needs to be created. The plan should include what action should be taken, who will coordinate, who should be called and how staff will be informed (this may include the use of coded messages). Staff/helpers should be instructed on emergency procedure and their responsibilities.

When preparing the site, consideration must be given to the safety of structures and wiring, escape routes and exits for evacuation, first aid, cash handling arrangements, availability of water, checking and servicing of toilets, waste disposal, tripping hazards and food hygiene.

Security

The school and its contents are at potential risk from criminal damage, burglary, theft and arson. In these circumstances, the lives and the safety of staff and students could be in jeopardy. A successful criminal attack in the school will have at least one of several predictable results:

  • loss of equipment
  • loss of records
  • drain on resources
  • demoralisation of staff and pupils
  • disruption of school life
  • displacement of staff and students
  • total loss of school

Whatever the precise outcome, any criminal attack upon the school will inevitably impact the running of the school. It follows that every realistic step should be taken to prevent it. This demands good risk management. (Please refer to the Business Continuity Plan)

Access Arrangements – If access is required to the school outside school hours, the main appointed key holder is the Premises Manager, the second is the Head of school and the third is, Deputy Headteacher. The Directorate’s Estate Management records information for keyholders.

During school hours, access will be granted via the door entry system. Office staff can view the reception path using the CCTV cameras. No-one must be given entry without first being questioned by the office staff. All visitors must immediately report to school reception.

Staff are given key fobs to gain entry to the school. In the event that these are lost, even temporarily, this must be reported immediately to the ICT Technician so the fob can be disabled on the system.

Security Policy

Stress and Wellbeing

The federation is committed to implementing a stress management policy for all employees throughout the organisation.   This includes improving the organisational environment through effective and sensitive management, enabling individuals to cope successfully with the demands and pressures of work, and providing support for employees whose health and well-being are affected by stress.  

Staff Well-Being Policy

The Governors and the Executive Headteacher have specific obligations to ensure, as far as is practicable, a safe place of work is established for all employees and others that enter the school. The employer is required to ensure that the supervision of pupils throughout the school day is adequate to ensure their health, safety and welfare.

Supervision

The teacher has a duty of care to the children, which is based on the principle of in loco parentis. This can be thought of as the standard of care expected of prudent parents in the care of their children.

Supervision Policy

Tools and Work Equipment

Defective Tools and Equipment

  • All defects found in equipment must be reported immediately to the Premises Officer.
  • The equipment concerned must be withdrawn from service, clearly marked and isolated in an area where it cannot be reissued for further use until repair has been affected.
Ladder-and-steps-inspectionDownload

Machinery

All staff controlling the use of machinery must be familiar and comply with the following legislation: –

  • Lifting Plant and Equipment (Records of Test and Examination, etc) Regulations 1992
  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
  • Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

To prevent fires or injury during ‘hot work’ (welding, brazing, use of blow lamps, soldering etc) a permit-to-work system is in place. Hot works must not start until the the supervising person (premises manager) has granted formal permission.

Hot Works Procedure

Traffic Management

Rangefield – The only vehicle access to the playground is through an FB locked gate.  This is only opened to allow contractors.  Deliveries will normally only be allowed during class time or outside school hours.

Forster Park – The car park is open from 7am until 8.40am. The access gates to the car park that are aby the entrance to the main school are dead bolted from 8.40am until 9.10am to enable safe entrance for the school children.

Parents parking on zig-zag lines present a safety hazard and messages will be sent home for parents who flout parking restrictions.  In the event of concerns about access, the Premises Manager and/or Office Staff have the responsibility to oversee traffic management. 

Trees

A competent person should undertake inspections of trees to identify any defects such as disease or structural integrity. Inspections can range from a light touch visual inspection to a more detailed formal inspection by a specialist. The type of required inspection will vary based upon the tree’s location (i.e. which zone it is in) and any prior indication of structural instability or disease. The premises manager is responsible for monitoring the trees and arranging regular inspections.

Violence and Aggression

Any violent and abusive incidents between children or adults will be dealt with using the criteria and procedures detailed in the following policy:

Violence and Agression Policy

Waste

Reducing waste is a key to a cleaner world and a benefit to our environment. It is the requirement that all employees on site are aware of and understand the duty and responsibilities contained in our policy.

Waste Policy Forster Park

Waste Policy Rangefield

Weather

The federation must ensure that the school sites are safe for pupils, staff and visitors to the school during changeable weather conditions. During periods of extreme cold, a risk assessment should be carried out to ensure safe routes are available to, from and around the school. Children should not be allowed in the playground until the ice has melted (or access restricted to less icy areas). The Head/Deputy Heads are responsible for deciding when wet play should be announced in these conditions. Slippery areas must be cordoned off with cones and hazard tape.

During periods of extreme heat, the federation must ensure that pupils are protected from overexposure to UV rays from the sun.

Sun Safety Policy

Work Experience

All work experience students, volunteers and trainee teachers meet with the Headteacher or a delegated member of staff for a Health and Safety briefing when first working at the school to ensure any specific risks have been identified and suitable controls implemented.

Working at Height

The federation will ensure that work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the work.

In addition:

  • The premises manager retains ladders for working at height
  • Pupils are prohibited from using ladders
  • Staff will wear appropriate footwear and clothing when using ladders
  • Contractors are expected to provide their own ladders for working at height
  • Before using a ladder, staff are expected to conduct a visual inspection to ensure its safety
  • Access to high levels, such as roofs, is only permitted by trained persons

Working at Height Policy

Training

Our staff are provided with health and safety training as part of their induction process through the federatiosn’s subscrition to TES.

Staff who work in high risk environments, such those who work with pupils with special educational needs (SEN), are given additional health and safety training.

Health-and-Safety-Induction-ChecklistDownload

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed by the Executive Headteacher and School Business Manager every year or sooner if legislation or processes change. At every review, the health and safety policy will be approved by the Resources Committee and Full Governing Board.

The linked policies will be reviewed every two years, by the relevant person.

AREAS IDENTIFIED FOR RISK ASSESSMENT

  • Asbestos
  • Challenging behaviour including violence to staff
  • Contractors on site
  • Display screen equipment
  • Electricity
  • Events
  • Fire and explosion
  • First Aid
  • Food hygiene
  • General cleaning
  • General and specific teaching activities
  • Home visits
  • Litter picking
  • Manual handling
  • Physical Restraint
  • Playground and play equipment
  • Pregnancy
  • Premises Officers Activity
  • Roof access
  • Security
  • Stress
  • Substances hazardous to health
  • Supervision of pupils
  • Swimming
  • Teaching Resources and Equipment
  • Temperatures
  • Transport (offsite visits)
  • Trees
  • Use of machinery
  • Use of step ladders and extension ladders
  • Vehicles around school
  • Winter working
  • Working alone
  • Working environment (staff and pupils) movement around building hall parents room staff room
  • Wrap around care (after school and breakfast clubs)
  • Volunteers

Risk Assessments

Click on the link below to view non personal risk assessments:

OAKBRIDGE RISK ASSESSMENTS