Health and Safety Policy

Policy Owner: Directors / Executive Headteacher / Health & Safety Officer

Approved by: Directors of SV Academy

Date Approved: September 2026

Last Reviewed: September 2026

Next Review: September 2027, or earlier if legislation, guidance or local arrangements change

1. Policy Statement and Intent

SV Academy is committed to providing, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy environment for employees, learners, visitors, volunteers, contractors and anyone else who may be affected by the Academy’s activities.

Health and safety is treated as an integral part of leadership, teaching, learning, premises management and day-to-day decision-making. SV Academy will take a sensible and proportionate approach to risk management: real and significant risks will be identified and controlled without creating unnecessary bureaucracy or preventing worthwhile educational activities.

The Academy will comply with applicable health and safety law and relevant education guidance and will seek to maintain standards that support continuous improvement.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all SV Academy employees, directors, learners, volunteers, agency staff, contractors, visitors and other persons undertaking activities on behalf of the Academy. It applies to Academy premises, off-site activities, educational visits, work-related travel and other activities organised or controlled by SV Academy.

3. Legal and Guidance Framework

This policy has been prepared with regard to current legislation and guidance, including, where applicable:

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992;
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981;
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR);
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005;
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH);
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989;
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992;
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992;
Work at Height Regulations 2005;
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER);
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended;
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012;
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, where applicable;
School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 and Part 5 of the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as applicable to the Academy’s registration status;
Equality Act 2010; and
current Department for Education (DfE), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Home Office and other relevant statutory guidance.

4. Organisation and Responsibilities

Overall legal accountability for health and safety remains with the employer/proprietor body. Day-to-day health and safety functions may be delegated, but overall accountability cannot be delegated.

The Directors will ensure that suitable arrangements, competent advice and adequate resources are available to manage health and safety risks. The Executive Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day Academy operations.

The designated Health & Safety Officer will coordinate routine monitoring, inspections, records, risk-assessment arrangements, accident follow-up and liaison with competent contractors or advisers.

All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions; follow Academy procedures and training; use equipment correctly; and report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses promptly.

Learners are expected to follow safety instructions, use equipment responsibly, report hazards or injuries and behave in a way that does not create unnecessary risk to themselves or others.

5. Risk Assessment and Risk Management

SV Academy will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed for significant hazards arising from its activities and premises. Significant findings and necessary control measures will be recorded and communicated to those affected.

Risk assessments will be proportionate to the level of risk. Routine low-risk classroom activity does not require unnecessary separate paperwork where the hazards are already adequately controlled through established procedures.

Risk assessments will be reviewed when there is reason to believe they are no longer valid, after a relevant incident or near miss, when there is a significant change in activity, equipment, premises or personnel, and at planned intervals appropriate to the risk.
Individual risk assessments will be considered where a learner or employee has particular needs that create additional health and safety considerations, including disability, SEND, medical needs, pregnancy, young worker status or moving-and-handling needs.
Risk management will support participation and reasonable adjustments rather than impose blanket restrictions unless these are necessary to control a genuine risk.

6. Consultation, Information, Instruction and Training

SV Academy will provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that they can work safely and understand the significant risks relevant to their role.

Health and safety will be discussed through staff meetings, leadership meetings, induction, refresher training and specific briefings where needed. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and contribute to practical improvements.

Training needs will be reviewed when duties change, new equipment or processes are introduced, or monitoring identifies a need for further competence.

7. Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation

SV Academy will maintain a current written fire risk assessment and appropriate fire precautions in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, escape routes, fire doors and firefighting equipment will be maintained and inspected as required.

All staff and learners must familiarise themselves with the fire action notices, alarm signal, escape routes and assembly arrangements. Escape routes and final exits must be kept clear and available for immediate use.

If fire or smoke is discovered:

raise the alarm immediately using the nearest available call point or other approved method;
leave the building by the nearest safe exit and assist others in accordance with training and any personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP);
do not stop to collect personal belongings and do not use a lift unless it is specifically designed and authorised for evacuation;
call 999, or ensure that the designated person has called 999, from a place of safety;
do not attempt to fight a fire unless trained, it is safe to do so, there is a clear escape route and doing so does not delay evacuation; and
do not re-enter the building until authorised by the Fire and Rescue Service or the responsible person.

The current designated assembly point is the location stated on the Academy’s fire action notices (currently outside the White Hart Pub), subject to the current fire risk assessment and any temporary instructions given by staff.

Fire drills will be carried out at planned intervals, normally at least once each term, and the results recorded and reviewed. Suitable arrangements, including PEEPs where required, will be made for people who may need assistance during evacuation.

8. First Aid and Medical Emergencies

The Academy will maintain adequate and appropriate first-aid arrangements based on a first-aid needs assessment. The assessment will consider the nature of Academy activities, numbers of staff and learners, work patterns, off-site activities, known risks and the need for suitable cover during absences.

First-aid equipment will be suitably stocked, accessible and checked regularly. Current first-aid locations include Reception, the Main Office, the First Aid Room and the Exams Office. The First Aid Room is located on the third floor.

The Academy will maintain an appropriate number of trained first-aiders and/or appointed persons. Current first-aider details will be displayed internally and communicated to staff and learners.

In a medical emergency, staff must call 999 where required, give the precise location and nature of the emergency, provide first aid within their competence and ensure that appropriate safeguarding, parental/carer notification and recording procedures are followed.

9. Accidents, Incidents, Near Misses and RIDDOR

All accidents, significant incidents, near misses and cases of suspected work-related ill health must be reported promptly and recorded using the Academy’s approved accident/incident reporting system.

Incidents will be investigated at a level proportionate to their seriousness so that underlying causes can be identified and reasonable corrective action taken. Defects in the premises or equipment will be isolated or controlled pending repair.

The Academy will make reports under RIDDOR where the statutory reporting criteria are met. Most pupil accidents are not reportable; reportability depends on the nature of the injury and whether the incident arose out of or in connection with the work activity or management of the Academy.

10. Security, Visitors and Emergency Response

SV Academy will maintain proportionate security arrangements to protect learners, staff and visitors. Security arrangements will complement safeguarding procedures and will be reviewed following incidents, changes to the premises or changes in identified threats.

Access to the premises will be controlled appropriately and external doors, gates and boundaries maintained in a secure condition.
Visitors and contractors will report to the designated reception point, sign in and out, provide identification where required and wear or carry appropriate visitor identification.
Visitors who have not completed the checks required for unsupervised access will be appropriately supervised.
The Academy will maintain suitable procedures for evacuation, lockdown/invacuation and other foreseeable security emergencies, and staff will receive appropriate information and training.
Detailed access-control arrangements, codes, keyholder information and other security-sensitive information will be held internally rather than published in this policy.

11. Electrical Safety

Electrical systems and equipment will be maintained so as to prevent danger. Employees must visually check portable equipment before use where appropriate and report damaged plugs, cables, casings, sockets or other defects. Defective equipment must be removed from use or clearly isolated until made safe.

Inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment will follow a risk-based maintenance regime determined by the type of equipment, its use and the environment. Annual PAT testing of every item is not automatically required by law. Fixed electrical installations and specialist equipment will be inspected and maintained by competent persons at suitable intervals.

Learners will only use electrical equipment when authorised and with the level of instruction and supervision appropriate to the activity.

12. Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Employees who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more will be treated as DSE users for the purposes of the Display Screen Equipment Regulations.

Suitable workstation assessments will be completed and reviewed when there are significant changes or where a user reports a problem.
Risks will be reduced through suitable workstation set-up, equipment, posture, work organisation and opportunities for breaks or changes of activity.
DSE users will receive appropriate information and training.
An eyesight test will be provided for a DSE user who requests one, and the Academy will meet the cost of special corrective appliances where these are required specifically for DSE work in accordance with the Regulations.

13. Manual Handling and Moving People

Hazardous manual handling will be avoided where reasonably practicable. Where it cannot be avoided, the task will be assessed and the risk reduced through suitable techniques, equipment, team handling, changes to the load or environment, or other controls.

Employees will not be expected to lift or move heavy or awkward items beyond their capability. Relevant staff will receive suitable manual-handling information or training.

Where a learner requires assistance with moving and handling, an individual assessment and handling plan will be completed where needed. Staff involved will receive appropriate training and any lifting or handling equipment will be inspected, maintained and used in accordance with the applicable legal requirements and manufacturer instructions.

14. Working at Height

Work at height will be avoided where reasonably practicable. Where it is necessary, the work will be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out using suitable, inspected equipment by people with the required competence.

Staff must use suitable step ladders, kick stools or other approved access equipment and must not stand on chairs, desks or tables.
Access equipment will be checked before use and formally inspected at suitable intervals.
Learners will not use access equipment unless an activity has been specifically risk assessed and appropriately supervised.
Contractors are responsible for providing suitable access equipment and safe systems of work for their activities.

15. Slips, Trips, Falls and Housekeeping

Walkways, stairs, exits and circulation routes will be kept reasonably clear and in good condition. Spillages will be dealt with promptly and suitable warning signs used while floors remain wet or hazardous.

Trailing cables, damaged flooring, poor lighting, unsuitable storage and other foreseeable trip hazards will be controlled. External routes will be monitored for hazards such as leaves, ice, snow, standing water or damaged surfaces.

16. COSHH, Cleaning and Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances will be managed in accordance with COSHH. The Academy will identify hazardous products, retain current safety information, assess risks where required and ensure suitable storage, labelling, control measures and personal protective equipment.

Cleaning products and other hazardous substances will be stored securely and kept out of unauthorised reach.
Chemicals will not be decanted into unlabelled or inappropriate containers.
Cleaning staff will have access to suitable hand-washing facilities and protective equipment appropriate to the product and task.
Cleaning arrangements will be planned to reduce risks to learners and staff, including slip risks created by wet floors.
Pest-control work will be undertaken by competent persons and relevant treatment information retained where appropriate.

17. Kitchen and Food Areas

Kitchen and food-preparation areas will be managed to minimise risks from heat, sharp equipment, manual handling, slips and food-related hazards. Access will be limited as appropriate to the activity and level of supervision.

Floors and work areas will be kept clean, dry and free from avoidable obstruction.
Hot, heavy and sharp items will be handled using suitable controls.
Relevant staff will receive appropriate food-hygiene and safe-working instruction.
Food preparation, storage and hygiene arrangements will be monitored in accordance with applicable food-safety requirements.

18. Contractors, Maintenance and Construction Work

Contractors will be selected and managed in a way that is proportionate to the risk of the work. The Academy will take reasonable steps to confirm competence, insurance and relevant safety arrangements before work starts.

Contractors must sign in, follow site rules and receive relevant emergency, safeguarding and health and safety information.
Risk assessments and method statements will be requested where appropriate to the work.
Contractor activities will be planned to minimise risk and disruption to learners and staff.
Before intrusive work begins, relevant asbestos information must be checked and provided to anyone who may disturb the building fabric.
Construction work will be managed in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 where applicable.
Work areas will be segregated from learners where necessary and contractor access will be supervised where safeguarding arrangements require it.

19. Lone Working

Lone working will be avoided where it would create an unacceptable risk. Where lone working is necessary, the activity and circumstances will be assessed and proportionate controls put in place.

Employees should notify an appropriate colleague or manager when lone working and have a reliable means of communication.
Activities presenting significant risk, such as certain work at height or high-risk maintenance, must not be undertaken alone.
People working away from the Academy should follow agreed contact and check-in arrangements.
Keyholders attending following an alarm, suspected break-in or other security incident should not enter if they believe the premises may be unsafe and should contact the emergency services where appropriate.
Any incident, threat or situation that caused concern during lone working must be reported.

20. Asbestos Management

SV Academy will comply with the duty to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 where that duty applies. The dutyholder will ensure that current information is available about whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present, their location and condition.

The Academy will maintain or have access to an up-to-date asbestos survey/register and asbestos management plan appropriate to the premises.
Where ACMs are known or presumed, their condition will be monitored and the register and management plan kept current.
Anyone liable to disturb the fabric of the building, including contractors and maintenance staff, will be given relevant asbestos information before work begins.
No employee should drill, cut, sand, fix into or otherwise disturb walls, ceilings, floors or other building fabric without appropriate authorisation and checking.
Where a survey concludes that no ACMs are present, the Academy will retain the evidence and ensure that the conclusion remains valid for the areas and materials covered. Historic surveys will not be relied upon where building alterations, previously inaccessible areas or other changes mean further assessment is required.

21. Legionella and Water Hygiene

The Academy will assess and control the foreseeable risk from legionella and other water-system hazards. A competent person will be appointed to manage the control scheme and records.

The water risk assessment will be reviewed when it is no longer valid, when there are significant changes to the system or use of the premises, or when monitoring indicates that control measures may not be effective.
Where temperature is used as a control, hot water will normally be stored at 60°C or above and distributed so that it reaches at least 50°C within one minute at relevant outlets, while cold water will be maintained below 20°C where reasonably practicable.
Infrequently used outlets will be flushed at a frequency determined by the risk assessment, commonly at least weekly.
Sentinel and representative temperatures will be monitored at suitable intervals and records maintained.
Showerheads and hoses will be cleaned and descaled at suitable intervals, and water systems will be inspected and maintained by competent persons.
Controls will also address scalding risk, including thermostatic mixing where required.

22. Workplace Temperature, Ventilation and Welfare

The Academy will seek to maintain a reasonable indoor temperature and adequate ventilation, taking account of the nature of the activity, weather conditions and the needs of staff and learners.

For employees, HSE guidance indicates that indoor workplaces should normally be at least 16°C, or 13°C where much of the work involves rigorous physical effort. There is no fixed legal maximum workplace temperature; excessive heat and cold will be managed through risk assessment and practical controls.

Suitable welfare facilities, drinking water, toilets and washing facilities will be maintained in accordance with applicable requirements.

23. Educational Visits and Off-Site Activities

Educational visits will be planned and managed using a proportionate approach. Routine visits involving everyday risks may be covered by existing arrangements, while activities presenting additional or significant risk will require more detailed planning and risk assessment.

A competent visit leader will be identified and appropriate approval obtained.
Planning will consider supervision, transport, medical needs, safeguarding, emergency arrangements, first aid, insurance and the needs of individual learners.
Providers of specialist or adventurous activities will be checked as appropriate to the activity.
Overseas and higher-risk visits will receive additional planning proportionate to the risks involved.
After significant incidents or material changes, arrangements will be reviewed before similar visits are repeated.

24. Work Experience and External Placements

Where SV Academy arranges or supports work-experience placements, it will take reasonable steps to satisfy itself that the employer has suitable risk-management arrangements. The Academy will avoid duplicating the employer’s own legal responsibilities unnecessarily.

Relevant information about a learner’s needs will be shared lawfully and appropriately so that the placement provider can consider any necessary controls or adjustments.

25. Smoking and Vaping

SV Academy operates a smoke-free and vape-free environment. Smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco or nicotine delivery products are not permitted in Academy buildings, grounds or Academy-controlled vehicles, or during Academy activities where such use would expose learners to smoking or vaping or undermine Academy rules.

Visitors, contractors and organisations using Academy premises are expected to comply with these requirements.

26. Violence, Aggression and Work-Related Stress

The Academy will consider foreseeable risks from violence, aggression, challenging behaviour and work-related stress as part of its health and safety management arrangements.

Employees should report threats, assaults, significant verbal abuse or other concerning incidents. The Academy will investigate and respond proportionately, including through risk assessment, staffing or supervision changes, training, safeguarding procedures, behaviour procedures and support for affected staff or learners where appropriate.

27. Personal Protective Equipment and Work Equipment

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, maintained and used in accordance with applicable law and risk assessment.

Work equipment will be suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe condition and used only by people who have received the information, instruction, training or supervision appropriate to the equipment and task.

28. Insurance

SV Academy will maintain the insurance required by law, including employers’ liability insurance where applicable, together with appropriate public liability and other insurance relevant to its activities. Current certificates and policy information will be retained and displayed or made available where required.

29. Monitoring, Inspection and Maintenance

The Academy will monitor implementation of this policy through planned inspections, review of accident and near-miss information, maintenance records, statutory checks and leadership oversight.

A general health and safety inspection will normally be completed at least every six months, with higher-risk areas or specific systems checked at the frequencies required by risk assessment, legislation, manufacturer instructions or competent advice.

Corrective actions will be allocated to an appropriate person, prioritised according to risk and tracked to completion.

30. Records and Document Control

The Academy will maintain health and safety records appropriate to its risks and legal duties. These may include risk assessments, fire records, training records, accident and incident records, RIDDOR reports, first-aid arrangements, contractor documents, equipment inspections, asbestos information, water-hygiene records, maintenance records and inspection/audit findings.

Records containing personal or sensitive information will be stored securely and handled in accordance with data-protection requirements.

31. Monitoring and Review of this Policy

The Directors and Senior Leadership Team will monitor the effectiveness of this policy. It will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where there is a significant change in legislation, guidance, premises, activities or organisational arrangements; following a serious incident; or where inspection, audit or risk assessment identifies a need for revision.

32. Current Local Contacts and Arrangements

RoleCurrent contact / arrangementDirectors | Orlando Clement and Sonia Ramanah
Executive Headteacher / Director | Orlando Clement
Headteacher / Health & Safety Officer | Will Conn
Qualified First Aiders | Will Conn; Andrea Brown; Abbey Lottes
Fire Officers / Marshals | Will Conn; Marinela Toma
First Aid Boxes | Reception; Main Office; First Aid Room; Exams Office
First Aid Room | Third floor
Fire assembly point | As stated on current fire action notices (currently outside the White Hart Pub)

Local contact details, room use and emergency arrangements must be checked whenever this policy is reviewed and updated immediately if responsibilities or site arrangements change.

Key Reference Documents

Department for Education: Health and safety – responsibilities and duties for schools;
Health and Safety Executive: Education guidance and sensible risk management for schools;
Home Office: Fire safety risk assessment – educational premises;
Department for Education: Standards for school premises;
Department for Education: Health and safety on educational visits;
Department for Education: School and college security guidance (updated July 2026);
Health and Safety Executive: asbestos, legionella, electrical safety, first aid, DSE and RIDDOR guidance.

Policy reviewed and revised: September 2026
Next scheduled review: September 2027

Heath and Safety Policy