Health_&_Safety_in_Schools

Health & Safety in schools: Setting safety procedures – Ensure adequate space between the tables. Push chairs under the table. Make sure tables and chairs are age appropriate for the children. Do not restrict access to the emergency exits. Check resources are stored away correctly and safely. Fireguards. All equipment is in easy reach. Keep water tray safe. Monitor all the different areas the children access in the classroom eg: role-play, sand, water. Why you must follow them. – There must be enough space to allow the children to move comfortably so that no accidents can occur, especially when chairs are not tucked under the tables, allowing children to trip. Tables and chairs must be appropriate to allow the children to sit comfortably when they are working. Emergency exits must be kept clear in case of a fire, so a quick and safe exit from the classroom can be made. Fireguards are used to protect the children getting burnt. It must be in easy reach to ensure no climbing is encouraged Do not allow the water tray to be filled too deep. Do not allow these areas to become overcrowded allowing potential accidents to happen. Safe guarding and protection – When painting the children wear aprons. When playing water activities they wear waterproof jackets. Check shoelaces are fastened. Make sure any cupboards or doors are kept shit when not being used. Correct use of handling equipment e.g.: scissors. Ensure all equipment and surfaces are cleaned. In our school we have a designated child protection officer I also have attended in school training on child protection procedures and have completed online Safe Guarding Children questionnaire and achieved the required pass rate Children must wear aprons to protect themselves from their clothes being ruined. Waterproof jackets must be worn to prevent the children’s’ clothes from getting wet, causing them to sit in damp clothes for the rest of the day. Shoelaces must be tied so that the children do not trip, therefore not allowing any accidents to happen. Cupboards and doors must be kept shut so that the children cannot injure themselves. Children must hold the scissors correctly to avoid any injuries that might occur, making sure that they do not run with the scissors in their hand. Cleaned surfaces and equipment will ensure that no bacteria will be spread causing the children to become ill. It is vital that I am aware and report any observations or concerns I have over a child welfare and safety It is necessary to attend training to receive up to date information and any LEA / national guidelines . Emergency procedures – e.g. clear guidance from teacher, posters around the room We have regular fire practices. The children have been taught how to behave and what to do several times. E.g. – pupils know of the risks, what to do if something goes wrong, can make informed decisions in a situation It is important that the children are clear on the procedures in case there is a real fire. While the children are at school we are responsible for their well being and safety. Having unannounced fire practices for the children gets a real stimulation and allows us to review the procedures to make sure that we are aware of all the risks. Controls on harmful substances – No harmful substances are stored in the classroom. Any harmful substances are in a locked cupboard. The caretaker has sole responsibility for the use and distribution of the harmful substances. E.g. – all materials / equipments kept in secure cupboard; experiments prepared before lesson with chemicals measured out before hand to prevent further risks to pupils. I work in a primary school with very young children that might not be able to read or have the understanding of the dangers of drinking from any bottle. It is vital that there are no risks taken so the policy of locking away any harmful substances is vital for the health and safety of the children in school Any other key aspects of H&S – First aid kit is kept in the classroom. Staffs know who the first aiders are in school. Always take first aid kit on trips. Check contents of the box regularly. First aid kit is kept in the classroom in case of any accidents If a first aider is required a member of staff will know who to contact allowing a quick response to the incident. Check kit so that you have everything you need in case of an emergency.