Padworth College is committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for all those using its facilities and grounds. This would include all teaching and ancillary staff, students, visitors to the school and contractors. Additionally, public footpaths go through the grounds and sometimes, visitors to the church park in the drive so it is important that all are vigilant.  The driveway is also shared with John Miller, Trustee, whose house is next to the college.

The intention of this policy is to provide a written guide so that procedures for identifying, controlling and reporting health and safety issues are understood by all and are put into practice throughout the college. Essentially, it is our aim to create a disciplined, safety-first ethos at the college where caring relationships and respect for the dignity of the individual is of utmost importance. Our pastoral system and PSHE curriculum are vehicles through which health and safety ideals are driven and absorbed. Our commitment to agreed procedures and sensible documentation will encourage trustees, staff and students to view our policy as a process, incorporating stable benchmarks, but will remain under constant scrutiny and review.

All employees should take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do. They should co-operate with their employer on health and safety issues and should not interfere with or misuse anything provided for their health, safety and welfare.

Litter

The  site is Grade 2* listed and care for this beautiful environment is important so that all may enjoy it.  Bins are provided for litter. Students leaving litter will be made to clear up any mess.  All staff and college leaders should be vigilant in reprimanding those who drop litter. Offenders can be expected to be given a community service task in line with the offence.

Dog Fouling

Dog fouling is unpleasant and potentially dangerous.  Should anyone on the campus discover an instance of dog fouling please contact the Bursar or the Principal to have the offending material removed.

Smoking

Whilst the site is a no smoking area, it is recognized that some staff will wish to smoke. They should either go off site or, with discretion, may use the Principal’s garden, as being a safe area and away from students. Especially with so many trees, shrubs and in autumn, fallen leaves, safety from fire is an important concern,  If any visitors are found to be smoking on site, they should be told politely to refrain.

Padworth Lake

There are paths around the lake, some of which are open to the public. The lake is shallow around the edges but there is deep water in the centre.  In the case of an accident, a lifebuoy ring is available in the immediate area and a long pole is kept by the nearby swimming pool. All are expected to respect wildlife and keep the lake and its environment litter and hazard free so that its tranquility may be enjoyed.

Patrolling of grounds

When Staff are on duty, they should adhere to the specified route, i.e. a circuit taking in the churchyard, tennis courts, along the lane, around the lake and around the back of the Granary.

Staff on duty must take the walkie-talkie and inform the SLT member on duty of any perceived problems.

At night, House Staff should patrol the grounds, to include the lane and churchyard.  Torches are available in the House Office.

If a stranger is seen in the grounds, they should be asked politely what their business is. Please ensure that any suspicious information is passed on to SLT members and house staff as appropriate. Any suspicious cars in the drive or in the immediate area of the school should be reported and, where possible, registration numbers taken. Information should be passed on to the Head of Boarding or other appropriate members of the SLT, who will consider informing the police community liaison officer.  Students should also be made aware of reporting any suspicious behaviour/cars, etc.

Lighting & CCTV

House Staff should report to the Bursar any outside lights  or CCTV cameras that are not working.

Vehicles

Vehicles should be parked safely in the designated areas and care must be taken when driving down the drive – a maximum speed of 15mph is recommended, as the footpaths cross the drive and students and others may be walking in the area. Additionally, deer frequent the grounds and can suddenly spring across the drive, especially in the early morning, evenings and late at night.

August 2012   Review August 2013