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HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Statement of Intent

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 S2(3)

So far as is reasonably practicable, with the help of its employees, the Cothill Educational Trust will:-

• provide adequate control of the health and safety hazards and risks arising from Trust activities
• consider our common law in loco parentis duties to all pupils in our care
• consider under Health and Safety at Work Act, our statutory duty of care to pupils and other non employees
• consult with our employees (and their representatives) on matters affecting their health, safety and welfare
• ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks and to offer them adequate training where appropriate
• provide information, instruction, training and supervision for employees
• provide and maintain safe housing (where provided), plant, equipment and processes
• promote safe handling and safe use of all hazardous substances
• prevent accidents and ill health by promoting safe healthy working conditions
• take full advantage of technical expertise within the Trust to monitor and regulate the working environment
• be aware of the philosophy contained within HSE documentation
• review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Children Act 1989 and the Education Act 2002

So far as is reasonably practicable, the Trust will adhere to the DCSF’s “Safeguarding Children in Education”. Details of its implementation are explained in Staff, Pupil and Parental Handbooks of individual Trust Schools.

By its overall Child Protection Policy, the Trust is committed to promoting a safe environment
and protecting from abuse all children in its Schools.

Central to the Trust’s policy is an understanding that the child’s welfare is a paramount consideration, that any delay may perpetuate harm and that all adults have a duty of care for all the children in their School.

The Trust is committed to ensure that the designated members of Staff receive specific instruction to carry out their functions adequately, that all Staff receives appropriate training and that child protection awareness is part of the induction process for new members of Staff.

Under its Recruitment Policy, the Trust recommends that in all its Schools:

• Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) maximum level checks are sought
• References are taken up (a minimum of two written references are required)
• Notes are recorded of supplementary references taken on the telephone
• Applicants are interviewed and a written record kept
• Full employment history is requested together with an explanation for any gaps
• A Probationary Period is given to all new staff
• Staff appointed prior to CRB clearance are checked through "List 99"
• Unchecked staff or visitors will be "chaperoned" until CRB clearance is obtained.

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PARENTAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Introduction

The Trust has long prided itself on the quality of teaching and pastoral care that is provided to its pupils.  However, if parents do have a complaint, they can expect it to be treated in accordance with the following Procedure.

Stage 1 – Informal Resolution

It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally. 

If parents have a complaint they should normally contact their son/daughter’s Form teacher.

In many cases, the matter will be resolved straightaway to the parents’ satisfaction.

If the Form teacher cannot resolve the matter alone, it may be necessary to consult the Head.

Complaints made directly to the Head will be dealt with by him/her personally.

The Head or Form teacher will make a written record of all concerns
and complaints and the date on which they were received. 

Should the matter not be resolved within a reasonable time
or in the event that the Head and the parent fail to reach a satisfactory resolution
then parents are advised to proceed with their complaint in accordance with stage 2 of the Procedure.

Stage 2 – Formal Resolution

If the complaint cannot be resolved on an informal basis as in stage 1, then the parents should put their complaint in writing to the Head. 

The Head will decide, after considering the complaint, the appropriate course of action to take. 

In most cases, the Head will meet and speak with the parents concerned,
normally within a few days of receiving the complaint, to discuss the matter. 

If possible, a resolution will be reached at this stage.

It may be necessary for the Head to carry out further investigations.

The Head will keep written records of all meetings and interviews held in relation to the complaint.

Once the Head is satisfied that, so far as is practicable, all of the relevant facts have been established,
a decision will be made and parents will be informed of this decision in writing. 
The Head will also give reasons for his/her decision.

If parents are still not satisfied with the decision, they should proceed to Stage 3 of the Procedure.

Stage 3 – Consultation with the Principal

If parents seek to invoke Stage 3 (following a failure to reach an earlier resolution with the Head),
they will be referred to the Principal of the Trust. 

The Principal will meet with the parents to hear their complaint and consider any evidence.

The parents may be accompanied by one other person.
This may be a relative, teacher or friend. Legal representation will not normally be appropriate.

If possible, the Principal will resolve the parents’ complaint immediately without the need for further investigation. 

Where further investigation is required, the Principal will decide how it should be carried out
and whether a panel of Trust Officers or Trustees is necessary to consider the parents’ complaint.

After due consultation and consideration of all facts, the Principal will reach a decision and may make recommendations. Within a few days of the meeting, the Principal will write to the parents
informing them of his decision and the reasons for it.

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Parents can be assured that all concerns and complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially.   Correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints will be kept confidential
except to the extent required by paragraph 6(2)(j) of the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003, by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, or where disclosure is required in the course of the school’s inspection or under other legal authority.