Health and safety

1. Introduction

Turning Point Leeds (TPL) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all pupils, staff, visitors, and contractors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety, including identifying, assessing, and controlling risks. It reflects statutory requirements, Leeds City Council guidance, and our restorative ethos that prioritises both physical and emotional wellbeing.

2. Responsibilities

Directors

Hold overall responsibility for health and safety at TPL.
Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and other relevant legislation.
Allocate sufficient resources for health and safety measures.
Ensure training, equipment, and systems are in place to safeguard staff and pupils.

All Staff

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Follow safe working practices and TPL procedures.
Report hazards, incidents, or near-misses promptly to the Health and Safety Coordinator or a director.

Pupils

Follow staff instructions regarding safety.
Wear protective equipment when required.
Report hazards or accidents to staff.

3. Risk Assessment

Regular risk assessments will be carried out for classrooms, activities, off-site visits, and equipment.
Results will be recorded, communicated, and reviewed to ensure effectiveness.
Adjustments will be made for pupils with SEND/EHCPs to ensure inclusion.

4. Fire Safety

Fire risk assessments carried out annually.
Fire alarms tested weekly; extinguishers and equipment maintained regularly.
Fire drills carried out termly.

5. First Aid Provision

Trained First Aiders available whenever pupils are on site.
First aid kits maintained and accessible.
All incidents requiring first aid recorded and reported. Where appropriate, serious incidents will be reported under RIDDOR 2013.

6. Manual Handling

Staff trained in safe manual handling.
Mechanical aids used wherever possible.
Risk assessments carried out for manual handling tasks.

7. Welfare Facilities

Clean, safe toilets, handwashing facilities, drinking water, and rest areas provided.
Facilities are regularly checked and maintained.
Accessible facilities available for staff and pupils with disabilities.

8. Staff and Pupil Wellbeing

TPL recognises the importance of mental as well as physical health.
Staff and pupils have access to wellbeing support and restorative approaches to reduce conflict and stress.

9. Training and Information

All new staff receive H&S induction.
Annual refresher training provided on key areas (fire safety, manual handling, first aid awareness).
Policies and procedures communicated through induction, briefings, and displays.

10. Educational Visits and Off-Site Activities

Risk assessments completed for all visits in line with Leeds City Council guidance.
Visits authorised by a director and parental consent obtained.

11. Monitoring and Review

The Health and Safety Coordinator and directors will monitor compliance, incidents, and near-misses.
Lessons learned will be used to improve systems.
Policy reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

12. Communication and Consultation

Open communication about health and safety is encouraged.
Staff, pupils, and visitors can raise concerns with the Health and Safety Coordinator or directors.

13. Compliance

TPL complies with all relevant health and safety legislation, including:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

14. Further Information

For advice or to raise concerns, contact the directors.

Written: August 2025
Next Review: August 2026