Health & Safety
School Security
Several measures are now in operation to ensure the safety of the pupils in school. Video/CCTV cameras and specialised security fencing are now in place. All visitors, delivery agents and workmen are required to sign-in at the office and wear identification badges. Delivery agents and workmen will discuss the appropriate area for unloading with office staff when they report to the office. School security will be reviewed annually and improved and updated accordingly.
Insurance - Personal Accident
Parents should be aware that there is no universal accident cover for school children. Because it has no insurable interest, the Council's policies cannot extend to cover pupils engaged on educational visits, school journeys etc., although the general liability policy protects the Council against the consequences of actions brought against it on behalf of pupils. Insurance is normally taken out by schools for visits abroad and also visits in this country involving an overnight stay. Parents are advised to check with the Headteacher for more detailed information. Parents are, of course, at liberty to take out insurance on an individual basis should they want additional cover for their children.
Children will not be transported in staff members' vehicles unless adequate insurance cover is guaranteed.
Pupils' Personal Property
Parents are strongly advised not to send children to school with any large sums of money or valuable items such as watches or jewellery. Whilst teachers may take charge of such items during P.E./Games lessons or at a pupil's request, it must be emphasised that neither teachers, nor the school, nor the Local Education Authority can take responsibility should any valuables be lost, damaged or stolen.
If parents wish to let their children bring such valuable items to school they are advised to make their own arrangements to insure against the risks involved. In particular mobile phones are banned in line with government guidelines.
Travelling to and from School
Delapre Primary School views the safety, health and well-being of our pupils as very important. We also believe the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for all members of the school community to be a central part of our school ethos. Like many other schools, we have a school travel plan that aims to develop an effective strategy in the promotion of safer routes to school. The plan reflects ways in which we can reduce the risk from traffic around the school by encouraging children to walk, and discouraging the number of car journeys to school.
Pupils' Safety
Pupils must be made aware on a day to day basis of the need:
- to take action to avoid risks to the health and safety of themselves or any other pupil or person;
- to observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene. This will preclude items that have previously caused accidents, which have resulted in a child being harmed, e.g. -
- earrings
- rings
- nose-studs
- steel toe-capped boots;
- high heeled shoes (usually linked to fashion);
- mobile phones - inline with government recommendations to eradicate one form of bullying
- to observe the instructions of staff given in an emergency.
Visit to home by the Education Welfare Officer
From time to time we notice, or have it drawn to our attention, that individual children appear to be displaying undue stress or strain which can affect their school work, and, in some cases, the worry can interfere with the child's attendance at school. In such cases we would call on the outside assistance of the Education Welfare Officer to visit the home in order to offer assistance and, if necessary, advise the school on how best to help the child.
School Nurse
The School Nurse, Dentist, and Doctor visit the school as required.
First Aid
We have a number of designated first-aiders.
Medicines
If a child suffers from a long term illness or condition such as asthma or diabetes, or is well enough to return to school after an illness but has to complete a course of antibiotic treatment, we are prepared to administer a dosage provided the following conditions are complied with:-
- The medication must be prescribed by a doctor.
- The request must be sent in writing to the effect that it is necessary for the child to take the medicine; the exact dosage instructions must be given.
- The medicine must be in the original prescribed container clearly labelled with name and dosage.
- The medicine must be brought to school by the parent and handed to the school Administration Officer.
If parents prefer to come to school to administer a lunchtime dosage that is perfectly acceptable but please arrange this with the office.
All medicines are kept in the first aid cupboard away from the children, not in classrooms (except asthma inhalers, which are stored in the class cupboards). Children must not keep medicines or tablets on their person. Spare inhalers need to be clearly labelled and kept in school.
Please come and talk to us about any long term illness requiring medication for your child.
Sun Safety
The wearing of protective hats at lunchtime and playtimes and the application of sunscreen cream is encouraged.
A copy of the school health and safety policy, which adheres to the Northants County Council Policy, is available on request.
