Keeping Everyone Safe at Silver Birch Primary School

At Silver Birch Primary School, the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff, parents, visitors, contractors and wider community are of the highest importance. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment where everyone can learn, work and visit with confidence.

We recognise that effective health and safety management is essential in creating a positive and successful school environment. To support this commitment, the school maintains a comprehensive programme of policies, procedures, inspections and risk assessments that are regularly reviewed and updated.

We follow guidance and legislation issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Department for Education (DfE) and the Local Authority to ensure we meet our legal responsibilities and continually improve our practice. 

Our Approach Ensures That:

• The school environment is maintained to a high standard of safety, cleanliness and security.

• Staff receive appropriate health and safety, safeguarding and emergency procedure training.

• Risk assessments are completed for activities on and off site.

• Emergency procedures are clearly communicated and regularly practised.

• Safeguarding arrangements are embedded throughout the school.

• Visitors, contractors and volunteers understand their responsibilities whilst on site.

• Everyone contributes to creating a culture where safety, kindness and wellbeing are prioritised.

Visitor Health and Safety Information

We warmly welcome visitors to Silver Birch Primary School and ask all visitors to help us maintain a safe environment by following the guidance below.

On Arrival

All visitors must:

• Report to the main reception on arrival.

• Sign in using the school's visitor management system.

• Wear their visitor badge at all times whilst on site.

• Remain accompanied by a member of staff unless authorised otherwise.

• Sign out when leaving the school premises.

For safeguarding reasons, visitors must not access teaching areas or other parts of the school without permission.

Safeguarding

The safety and welfare of children is everyone's responsibility.

If you have any concerns regarding the welfare of a child whilst visiting the school, please report these immediately to:

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Mrs C. Jones, Hedteacher

• A Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs N. Leyland, Deputy Headteacher

Fire and Emergency Procedures

Should the fire alarm sound:

• Leave the building immediately using the nearest safe exit.

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings.

• Proceed to the designated assembly point.

• Follow instructions from school staff or emergency services.

• Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so.

Emergency evacuation procedures are displayed throughout the school.

First Aid and Accidents

If you require first aid assistance or witness an accident:

• Inform a member of staff immediately.

• Qualified First Aiders are available on site during school operating hours.

• All accidents and incidents must be reported and recorded.

Site Security

To help keep everyone safe:

• Keep external doors and gates secure.

• Do not allow unknown individuals access to the building.

• Wear your visitor badge where it is clearly visible.

• Report any suspicious activity to school staff immediately.

Vehicles and Parking

Visitors are asked to:

• Follow all signage and traffic management arrangements.

• Drive slowly and with extreme caution around the school site.

• Be aware of pedestrians at all times.

• Park only in authorised areas.

• Avoid blocking emergency access routes.

Contractors Working on Site

Contractors must:

• Sign in and out through reception.

• Provide appropriate risk assessments and method statements where required.

• Comply with all site safety procedures.

• Work in accordance with safeguarding requirements when children are present.

• Report hazards, incidents or near misses immediately.

Educational Visits and School Activities

The school carries out risk assessments for educational visits, sporting activities and special events. Appropriate control measures are implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors participating in these activities.

Promoting a Safe, Kind and Inclusive Environment

At Silver Birch Primary School we believe that everyone has a role in maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive community. We expect all visitors, staff, parents, carers and pupils to treat one another with courtesy and respect at all times.

Abusive, aggressive or threatening behaviour towards staff, pupils, parents or visitors will not be tolerated.

Key Health and Safety Documents

The following documents are available from the school office or via the policies section of our website:

• Health and Safety Policy

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures

• Visitor Information Leaflet

• School Traffic Management Plan

• Risk Assessment Procedures

• Educational Visits Policy

• First Aid Policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Contractor Management Procedures

Together, these policies and procedures reflect Silver Birch Primary School's commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and supportive environment for everyone within our school community. 

If you have any questions regarding health and safety arrangements, please contact the school office. We are always happy to provide further information and guidance.