This policy applies to the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS), Infant and Junior School

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1 1 POLICY FOR RISK ASSESSMENT Revised June 2015 (to be reviewed April 2016) This policy applies to the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS), Infant and Junior School General Risk assessments are an important tool in protecting and promoting the welfare of pupils, staff and visitors by analysing hazards and identifying risk reduction measures. The law requires that everything reasonably practicable is done to protect people from harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can be effective in controlling risks. At all times, the children s welfare is paramount. This guidance is applicable to all those with responsibility for undertaking risk assessments for activities which are under their control. This includes the requirements of the Independent Schools Inspectorate and Early Years Foundations Stage standards. The Risk Assessment Policy is to work in conjunction with the Health & Safety Policy which includes the School s Educational Visits Policy. Objectives To ensure that: suitable and sufficient risk assessments are undertaken for activities where there is likely to be significant risk. identified control measures are implemented to control risk so far as reasonably practicable. those affected by school activities have received suitable information on what to do. risk assessments are recorded and reviewed when appropriate. Guidance This guidance is applicable to general risk assessment. Where specialist skills are required, e.g. asbestos, fire, water quality and hazardous substances, there is separate policy guidance in place. For educational visits, please refer to the School s Educational Visits Policy, within the Health & Safety Policy.

2 Teaching area risk assessment checklists are in place for guidance and all staff will receive guidance on risk assessment as part of their induction. This will be refreshed as necessary. Risk assessment training on specific areas will be provided where a need is identified. Template risk assessment forms are included at Appendix 1 to this guidance. CLEAPSS Advisory Service model risk assessments may be available for lessons in Science and Design & Technology. The Bursar will be responsible for: implementation of this policy maintaining general area risk assessment records. communicating any action required by staff as a result of risk assessment. staff training. reviewing departmental risk assessments on an annual basis, usually in May each year. Heads of Department will be responsible for: maintaining specific risk assessment records for their departments activities. The preparation of risk assessments may be delegated to members of the department. communicating any action required by staff as a result of risk assessment. submitting a copy of all their risk assessments to the Bursar for review on an annual basis, usually in May each year. All staff will: ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all tasks, activities, locations and work activities that present a significant hazard in their area of responsibility be involved in assessing risks, be aware of risk assessment and control measures in their area of work, use and comply with control measures implemented to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others, report any workplace hazards or concerns regarding health and safety to the appropriate manager, carry out on the spot (dynamic) risk assessments as necessary when an unforeseen event occurs and a previously unidentified risk becomes apparent. Risk assessments will take into account: hazard - something with the potential to cause harm risk - an evaluation of the likelihood of the hazard causing harm risk rating - assessment of the severity of the outcome of an event control measures - physical measures and procedures put in place to mitigate the risk The risk assessment process will consist of the following 6 steps: 1. What could go wrong? Identify the hazards by: observing the area or activity; referring to guidance; checking manufacturer s instructions/data sheets; asking other staff for their views. 2. Who might be harmed and how? Consider: staff with particular requirements (e.g. new or young workers, expectant mothers, people with disabilities); pupils; parents; visitors; contractors. 2

3 3. How likely is it to go wrong? 4. How serious would it be if it did? 5. What are you going to do to stop it? Consider what control measures are already in place and what actions are already being taken to reduce the risk. Are these suitable and sufficient and are any further measures required? Apply the following principles when controlling risks, where possible in the following order: a. Eliminate the hazard altogether b. Substitute for something less hazardous c. Prevent access to the hazard d. Organise work to reduce exposure to the hazard e. Create safe systems of work to reduce the risk f. Use personal protective equipment, e.g. clothing, footwear, goggles, gloves g. Provide welfare facilities, e.g. first aid stations, washing facilities h. Provide suitable information, instruction and training i. Ensure appropriate supervision. 6. How are you going to check that your plans are working? Risk assessments may be reviewed following: significant changes to the activity a near miss or accident changes to the type of people involved in the activity changes in good practice legislative changes or annually if for no other reason. A non-exhaustive list of areas which will require risk assessment is included at Appendix 2. If further support is required staff should inform the Bursar who will liaise with the School s Health & Safety consultant for specialist advice. Further information is also available on the HSE website ( Training Risk Assessment training will be provided to staff as appropriate. General training will be provided on first joining the school and staff will be reminded of the need to carry out risk assessments and of the information outlined in this policy in staff meetings. Training will be repeated and updated as required. Records will be kept by the Bursar. When specialist training is required to carry out a particular risk assessment, training will be given either by the School, by the School s Health and Safety Consultant, or by an external agency. 3

4 4 APPENDIX 1 Risk Assessment Template 1 (Teaching Activities and Trips) Name of Location/Department Name of Activity/Task RISK PROCEDURE ACTION What are you already doing? What are the hazards? Who might be harmed and how? Do you need to do anything else to manage this risk? Action by whom? Action by when? Reviewed by: Date: Date of Next Review: (You should review your risk assessment if you think it might no longer be valid, e.g. following an accident or if there are any significant changes to the hazards, such as new equipment or activities.)

5 Risk Assessment Template 2 (General & Specific Risk Assessments for non-teaching activities) MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1999 GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT Location/Department/Project Activity/Task/Area Assessed: Assessor(s): Date: Review Date: HAZARDS RISKS PEOPLE AFFECTED EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES SR PR RR FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED RESIDUAL RISK Notes (i) SR = SEVERITY RATING 1 to 5, PR = PROBABILITY RATING 1 to 5, RR = RISK RATING = SR x PR (ii) SEVERITY RATING 1 5, 1 = first aid treatment only, 2 = absent three days + recovery, 3 = absent one month, 4 = severe incapacity, 5 = death. (iii) PROBABILITY RATING 1 5, 1 = almost impossible, 2 = improbable, 3 = could happen occasionally, 4 = probable, 5 = inevitable. (iv) RISK RATING 1 to 25, 1 to 8 LOW, 9 to 14 MEDIUM, 15 to 25 HIGH (v) Remember to consider if risks can be avoided/reduced by substituting the activity, reducing the number of people exposed or the exposure time. Record your consideration in the FURTHER ACTION column. (vi) Residual risk should be calculated as above taking into consideration the FURTHER ACTION REQUIREMENTS. 5

6 APPENDIX 2 Areas requiring risk assessment (non-exhaustive) Educational science experiments art, design & technology activities food technology sport and PE activities trips workshop day activities playgrounds general classrooms Support catering cleaning caretaking and security maintenance grounds offices driveways and parking 6