Health and Safety

Health and Safety

  1. Statement of Intent

At Vision Academy, we are fully committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all staff, tutors, pupils, visitors, and contractors who attend or work within our premises. We aim to provide a safe and supportive learning and working environment in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all other relevant legislation.

We recognise that health and safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone at Vision Academy plays a vital role in maintaining a safe environment. This policy outlines the systems and arrangements in place to safeguard those who use our facilities, particularly within our first-floor tuition premises.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary.

Signed:

Ibrahim Ali

Position: Administrator

Date: 02.09.2025

  1. Organisation

Ultimate Responsibility

As an independent tuition company, Vision Academy holds legal responsibility for ensuring that health and safety standards are met. This responsibility lies with the Director, who ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Director / Centre Manager

Holds overall responsibility for health and safety.

Ensures implementation of this policy and compliance with legal requirements.

Allocates resources for health and safety matters.

Reviews and signs off all risk assessments.

Ensures staff receive necessary training.

Tutors and Staff

Comply with all health and safety procedures.

Report hazards or unsafe practices promptly.

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Participate in fire drills and emergency training.

Students and Visitors

Expected to follow safety instructions.

Must not interfere with or misuse any safety equipment.

Should report accidents or hazards to a staff member immediately.

  1. Arrangements

3.1 Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are carried out for all key areas, including teaching spaces, stairways, electrical equipment, fire hazards, and educational trips.

Hazards are identified, evaluated, and controlled to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Risk assessments are reviewed annually or when significant changes occur.

3.2 Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, near misses, and incidents are recorded in an Accident Book located on-site.

Serious incidents are reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) where applicable.

Incident investigations are conducted to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

3.3 Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are displayed clearly in each classroom and staff area.

Staff are trained to respond appropriately to emergencies including fire, severe weather, illness, injury, or criminal activity.

Contact details for emergency services and key personnel are readily available.

3.4 Fire Safety

Fire exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times.

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are installed and checked annually.

Fire drills are conducted at least once per term.

All staff receive fire safety induction and know the evacuation procedure.

3.5 Educational Visits

All off-site activities are risk assessed in advance.

Parental consent is obtained before trips.

Appropriate staff-to-pupil ratios are maintained.

Supervising staff are briefed on emergency contacts and safety protocols.

3.6 First Aid

A fully stocked First Aid Kit is available on-site.

At least one member of staff is a qualified First Aider at all times during operation.

Details of First Aiders are displayed in common areas.

3.7 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Hazardous substances (e.g., cleaning products) are stored securely.

Only trained personnel handle such substances.

COSHH data sheets are kept on-site and reviewed annually.

3.8 Site Security

Access to the first-floor premises is controlled during tuition hours.

Visitors must report to staff upon arrival and may be required to sign in.

Children are never left unsupervised with unauthorised individuals.

3.9 Electrical Safety

All electrical equipment is PAT tested annually.

Faulty equipment is removed from use immediately and reported.

Staff are instructed not to overload sockets or use personal electrical devices.

3.10 Welfare and Stress Management

Vision Academy promotes a supportive environment where mental health and well-being are prioritised.

Staff are encouraged to raise concerns early and can access support or adjustments as needed.

Reasonable adjustments are made for both staff and students experiencing stress or health issues.

3.10 Equality and Inclusion

Health and safety practices are inclusive and do not create unreasonable barriers.

Adjustments are made for students with disabilities or special educational needs (SEN).

Fire evacuation plans include provisions for individuals with mobility challenges.

  1. Implementation and Review

Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) Framework

Plan: Identify risks, set health and safety objectives, and allocate responsibilities.

Do: Implement controls, train staff, and communicate policies clearly. Check: Monitor compliance, conduct inspections, and review incident reports.

Act: Make improvements based on findings, adapt to new risks, and update policy and procedures.

Clear Communication

All staff are given a copy of this policy and receive health and safety induction.

Parents and students are made aware of key safety rules, including fire and evacuation procedures.

Visitors and contractors are informed of relevant site rules upon entry.

Regular Reviews

This policy is reviewed annually or:

Following a major incident.

In response to significant organisational changes.

When legislation or best practice guidance is updated.

Staff and Student Involvement

Staff and students are encouraged to report hazards or safety concerns.

Feedback is actively sought and used to improve procedures.

Health and safety is promoted as a shared responsibility across the organisation.

Learning from Incidents

All incidents are investigated and analysed.

Corrective actions are identified and implemented.

Trends and recurring issues are addressed in regular health and safety reviews.

Appendices

Risk Assessment Template

Fire Evacuation Plan

Accident Report Form

COSHH Inventory and Data Sheets

First Aid Log

Policy Owner: Ibrahim Ali