Teachers are asked to read the 'Centre Safety Statement' (Word version) and general Risk Assessment before the visit, and pass on important details to their pupils and group leaders.

 Instructions to Teachers
 

The safety of pupils, teaching staff and parent helpers who visit the Centre is extremely important. Both on-site, within the buildings and grounds, and off-site along the paths and roadsides in the village and environs, group and class control is essential, as there are relatively narrow roads with no pavements.

For further information and guidance about safety issues, please refer to KCC guidelines entitled 'Regulation and Guidance for Safe Practice of Offsite activities'. There is also a video entitled 'Risk Assessment: An Introduction for Schools'. Other LEA and independent schools will have their own procedures. In addition refer to DCSF guidelines which complement the booklet 'Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits'.

Centre Safety
 

Arrival at the Centre

• Great care should be exercised by pupils leaving coaches and especially cars outside for entry into the Centre.
• The teacher in charge should hand a copy of the group register (children & adults) to the head of the Centre, immediately on arrival. As indicated in the booking information, the class register (minus private data) may be used for this purpose. An accompanying first aider is also advisable, although the head of the Centre is a trained first aider.
• Coats and bags should be hung in the cloakroom to avoid congestion, unless the class is going outside straight away when just bags should be left.
• On return to the Centre after off-site activities, coats should be hung in the cloakroom and footwear changed, if applicable, before pupils are directed to the toilets and reminded to wash their hands before eating.

• Pupils should remain seated when eating packed lunches. Walkways should not be blocked. Any spillages should be wiped up with the materials provided (separate table and floor cloths are indicated) and food on floor swept up to avoid slipping. Cleaning materials, such as bucket, table and floor cloth, broom, dust pan and brush etc. are stored by the large sink in the kitchen at the end of main classroom. A first aid kit is also stored in this area. The head of the Centre will pass the responsibility of lunchtime organisation to the class teacher.
• As groups of pupils finish their lunch they should clear their table area and take their bags to the cloakroom, with appropriate adult supervision. They should then lead out into the playground wearing suitable outdoor clothing for the weather conditions. An adult must accompany the pupils outside at all times.

Playground Behaviour

A child orientated list of guidelines in large letters referring to safe playground behaviour is displayed by the door leading to the play area. Teachers should draw attention to this list before leading their pupils outside. Pupils must be supervised at all times.

In summary;
• Climbing on or jumping off walls, benches or picnic tables is not permitted.
• Pupils may use the garden (weather permitting) and raised area to the rear of the playground for quiet activities only.
• Access to the wildlife area via either gate without the head of Centre or teacher supervision is strictly forbidden.
• Pupils may only be allowed in the wildlife area during appropriate outdoor environmental lessons.

Use of the Centre Forecourt (Front Garden)
On occasions there will be opportunities, according to the appropriate topic, for sketching or general observation of the front of the schoolhouse and classroom. Careful supervision is required especially with young children, as School Lane runs close to the building.

Arrival and Departure

Pupils getting on and off coaches and especially cars should take considerable care and be intensely supervised by visiting teachers and adult helpers.

Safety During Walks - Along Roads and Footpaths

• Pupils must walk in an orderly fashion in pairs on pathways or in single file on an unpaved lane, as appropriate, with group leaders.
• Pupils should not proceed in front of the leader.
• The leader will guide classes/groups to safe crossing areas. All groups should normally cross together to avoid hesitation.