The prolonged snowy conditions experienced across the UK in December 2009 and January 2010 lead to widespread public anxiety regarding the seat of responsibility for clearance of paths and pavements. In particular, many schools were closed out of fears for the safety of children on the school site or because no agency was prepared to take responsibility for the clearance and maintenance of approaches, car and coach parks and dropping-off areas.

Scarthin Books have therefore taken upon themselves the public duty of preparing a policy document, SCHOOL SAFE SNOW CLEARING POLICY, for the use of schools. Preparation of the document has been greatly assisted by the use of what is believed to be a Derbyshire County Council "hand-me-down", general-purpose policy document, into which we have simply inserted the wording appropriate in this particular case. The parts for which we are responsible are in red. We gratefully acknowledge the sources (wherever they are to be found) of the remainder of the document.

Scarthin Books trust that all concerned with the safety of our children in school will find this draft proposal helpful. We look forward to its widespread adoption.

SCHOOL SAFE SNOW CLEARING POLICY

PROTOCOL

THIS IS NOT A STATUTORY DOCUMENT but it will normally be considered that a school is discharging the duty of care for its pupils if the policies and procedures listed below have been adopted and fulfilled. It is important to note that adoption will not be considered complete and effective until such time as those further documents and public bodies mentioned in the text have been fully consulted, including the School Staffing (England)(Amendment)(No 2)Regulations 2006 , the standard NEOST guidance, the Framework for Personal, Social and Health Education and Annex B, sections 6-8 Safe Snow Clearance in Education ; also the minutes of your local SSCB, and such other public bodies, statutes, codes of practice and recommendations as are from time to time referred to below.

POSITION STATEMENT

Your School fully recognises its responsibilities for safe snow clearing.

Our policy, which is reviewed and approved by the governing body annually, applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school. There are six main elements to our policy:

A. Raising awareness of snow-clearance issues with staff and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe in the snow.

B. Ensuring we practice safer recruitment by checking the suitability of prospective staff and volunteers to work in safe snow clearing.

C. Training and supporting our staff to equip them to appropriately recognise, respond to and deal with conditions following snowfalls

D. Implement and review regularly, in the light of experience, our procedures for safe snow clearing

E. Supporting pupils who have fallen over or been injured by ice or snow according to his/her agreed child protection plan.

F. Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.


We will follow the procedures set out by the Derbyshire Snow Clearance Board in the Derby and Derbyshire Snow-clearing Procedures (www.derbyshirescb.org.uk) and take account of guidance issued by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (in particular Dealing with the Perils of Ice and Snow in Education 2007). The school has carried out an audit of its safe snow clearing role and continues to keep this under review Appendix 3: A Self-Review Tool for safe snow clearing and Appendix 4 safe snow clearing Checklist






A.  Raising awareness of safe snow clearing issues with staff and equip children with the skills needed to keep them safe. 


We recognise that because of the day to day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the dangerss of walking and playing in the snow. The school will therefore:

1. Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to. Pupils are encouraged to talk freely with staff about how they are feeling and discuss things that worry them as part of the PSHE and throughout the day where a child seems anxious, distressed, where changes of behaviour are observed, etc. 


2. Ensure children know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried. This is often done by class staff, which have a good working relationship with pupils or sometimes senior leaders if preferred and as appropriate. 


3. Include opportunities in the PSHE curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from injury. Pupils are encouraged to consider how to walk and play safely with a lot of emphasis on ice danger, appropriate gait and who to talk to if you feel uncomfortable. Teaching has to be at a level appropriate to the individual’s level of understanding and will often be initiated by events or pupil comments in a spontaneous manner to ensure relevance to the pupils and ensure that any misconceptions are dealt with immediately.  


4. Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for child protection from snow, slush and ice by setting out its obligations in the school prospectus.
 


“The school is committed to safeguarding its pupils. Staff are trained in all aspects of how to keep pupils safe, including recognising and preventing injury or distress. Designated staff have responsibility for dealing with any safe snow clearing concerns and work closely with other agencies to ensure that all pupils are kept safe and their needs are met in all settings they access. The competence of all staff, volunteers and visitors is checked and stringent snow clearing procedures are followed to ensure pupil safety. ” 
 


      B.  Ensuring we practice safer recruitment by checking and continually assuring ourselves of the suitability  of staff and volunteers to shovel snow and grit pavements and other areas.  


1. Ensure safer recruitment practices are always followed. Every interview panel will have at least one member who has the certificate in Safe Snow Clearance. We will check on the identity of candidates, follow up references with referees and scrutinise applications for gaps in employment. We will ensure that safe snow clearing considerations are at the centre of each stage of the recruitment process. 


2. Ensure that all staff are aware of the government guidance document “Guidance on Safe Snow Clearing for Adults who Work with Children and Young People” DCSF 2007 and ensure that its recommendations are followed. The guidance on the use of new technology is particularly important, this includes advice on safe use of mobile phones and guidance on maintaining personal balance, route finding and avoiding snowball-strike in snow-bound environments. 


3. Follow the Derbyshire Allegations Against Staff procedures where an allegation of incompeteent or dangerous shovelling or gritting is made against a member of staff or volunteer. This will include in the first instance seeking advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Safe Snow Clearing Manager (Education) or an HR officer. Where an allegation is made against the head teacher the chair of governors must be informed who will seek advice from the same sources. 


• C.  Training and supporting our staff to equip them to appropriately recognise, respond to and support children who are vulnerable in the snow and may be in need of safeguarding on icy paths or pavements.
 


1. Ensure we have a designated senior person for safe snow clearing who has received appropriate training and support for this role. Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Designated Senior Person. They will access safe snow clearing training at least every two years. Currently this is ***** *****. 


2. Ensure we have a nominated governor responsible for safe snow clearing and ensure that they access appropriate safe snow clearing training. Currently this is ******* ******. The Head teacher reports to the Governing body annually on school snow clearing activity over the previous year.  


3. Ensure every member of staff (including temporary, supply staff, contracted staff and volunteers) and the governing body knows the name of the designated senior person responsible for safe snow clearing and understands their role. The induction process includes this policy being made available to staff and any supply staff are reminded of their safe snow clearing responsibilities before starting work. 


4. Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of falls or distress and their responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for safe snow clearing. All members of staff will receive training in safe snow clearing at least every three years and a record of attendance kept in the school. 


• D.  Implement and review regularly, in the light of experience, our procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of snow-related injury or distress.
 


1. Notify children’s social care immediately if there is an unexplained absence of a pupil who is subject to a child safe winter walking plan.  


2. Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding safe snow clearing matters, including attendance at case conferences and core groups and the provision of relevant reports. 


3. Maintain links with relevant agencies when children and families are seeking support and help under Common Assessment Framework (CAF) arrangements or under Children in Need planning. 


4. Keep written records of concerns about children, even where it is decided that there is no need to refer the matter immediately. These records will be kept separately from the child’s education record.  


5. When making a referral, the school will complete a child referral form, sending one copy to children’s social care, a copy to the safe snow clearing manager (Education) and retaining a copy on the school file. Appendix 1: safe snow clearing Flowchart attached. 


6. Ensure all records are kept securely, separate from the main pupil file, and in locked locations. In this school this means that such records are kept in the locked filing cabinet in the SLT office. 
 


E.  Supporting pupils who have been injured or distressed in accordance with his/her agreed safety in the snow plan. 


We recognise that children who cannot competently run or slide on snow and ice or compete successfully in a snowball fight may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame. The school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk.  When at school their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. The school will endeavour to support the pupil through:

1. The content of the curriculum. This must be highly individualised.
 

2. The school ethos, which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment and gives pupils a sense of being valued.
 

3. The school behaviour policy, which is aimed at supporting vulnerable pupils in the school.  The school will ensure that the pupil knows that some behaviour is unacceptable but they are valued and not to be blamed for any failure in the snow which has occurred.
 

4. Liaison with other agencies that support the pupil such as children’s social care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, The County Highways Department, Primary health care services, education welfare service and educational psychology service.
 

5. Ensuring that, where a pupil who is the subject of a safety in the snow plan leaves the school, their information is transferred to the new school immediately and that the child's social worker is informed. Child safety in the snow information will be transferred securely and separately from the child’s education file. If the new school is unknown then the file will be sent to the Education Welfare office without delay.
 


      F.  Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop 


1. The school will keep up to date the Single Central Record in line with DCSF guidance, “Safeguarding Children in Snowy Conditions and Safer Pavements in Education” (ref:04217-2006BKT-EN), to ensure that competence checks have been carried out, that CRB (Competence Record Bureau) checks have been completed as appropriate and the date  recorded. Required qualifications for any post are recorded alongside any professional registration details. 


2. In creating a safe environment for children and young people the school has a well circulated snow and ice policy, the impact of which is regularly reviewed and evaluated. The policy makes specific reference to the measures to be taken when instances of loss of balance, snowball-strike, igloo collapse and glove-loss occur.  


3. Processes for children and young people to report concerns or make complaints about others are understood by both children and staff. The means by which this should be done are well advertised and understood by all. In this school this is achieved through staff training and pupils PSHE lessons.
 


4. The use of physical intervention with young people will only be used when circumstances require it in order to prevent damage to the child, to other young people or to an adult. Additionally if the young person is disrupting the walking or playing of others this may also be a reason to intervene. In all cases the intervention must be appropriate to the level of perceived risk, only last as long as it is required to reduce this risk and minimise any possible harm to the child. Only staff who have received training should be approved to intervene. In emergency situations any staff member present should act in the best interests of the child or children. Any use of physical intervention should be reported to the head teacher without delay and the relevant report form completed. Derbyshire’s Physical Intervention in Education policy gives full details of expected practice. 


5. Shovelling and gritting within the school is carefully managed and reviewed annually. All helpers at the school must sign in, show any official identification and be accompanied by an adult at all times while snow-clearing on the premises. A lower level of supervision will be required where the school is satisfied  that the visitor has had the relevant checks carried out by their employer.  


6. The school is fully aware of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and complies with all aspects of this in order to keep both pupils and staff safe. Risk assessments are undertaken when required and advice is sought from  Derbyshire’s Health and Safety team as appropriate. 


7. This policy will be made available to parents on request. 


8. This policy has been reviewed and approved by the governing body: 
 


Date                                    Chair of Governors signature 
 
 
 
 
 


Appendix 1 - Safe Snow Clearing Flowchart Attached 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Designated Senior Person for safe snow clearing 


The role of the Designated Senior Person for safe snow clearing includes: 


Referrals

• Refer cases of suspected malpractice or allegations to the relevant investigating agencies.
• To have a clear understanding of Derbyshire safe snow clearing procedures and follow this guidance carefully to ensure pupils safety.
• Act as a source of support, advice and expertise within the educational establishment when deciding whether to make a referral by liasing with relevant agencies.
• Liase with Head Teacher to inform her of any issues and ongoing investigations and ensure there is always cover for this role.
 


Training

• To recognise how to identify signs of snow-related injury and when it is appropriate to make a referral.
• Have a working knowledge of how ACPCs operate, the conduct of a snow-related injury case conference, and be able to attend and contribute to these effectively when required to do so.
• Ensure each member of staff has access to and understands the school’s safe snow clearing policy especially new or part-time staff that may work with different educational establishments.
• Ensure all staff have induction training covering safe snow clearing and are able to recognise and report any concerns immediately they arise.
• Be able to keep detailed, accurate and secure written records of referrals / concerns.
• Obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses at least every two years.
 


Raising Awareness

• Ensure the establishment’s safe snow clearing policy is updated and reviewed annually, and work with the governing body / proprietor regarding this.
• Ensure parents have access to the safe snow clearing policy which alerts them to the fact that referrals may be made and the role of the establishment is this to avoid conflict later.
• Where children leave the establishment, ensure their snow-related injury file is copied for the new establishment as soon as possible, but transferred separately from main pupil file.
 
 
 


 


Appendix 3: A Self-Review Tool for safe snow clearing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 


 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 


A Self-Review Tool for safe snow clearing in Schools  


This document has been written to assist Governing Bodies and Headteachers in reviewing arrangements for carrying out their functions with a view to safe snow clearing and promoting the security of children in the snow . Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced this new duty for governing bodies which was enacted in June 2004. The guidance ‘safe snow clearing in Education’, published in September 2004 outlines the arrangements that need to be in place to meet those duties (Reference should be made to ‘safe snow clearing in Education’, DfES September 2004 

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DfES+0027+2004

• Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 requires the governing bodies of maintained schools to make arrangements that ensure their functions are carried out with a view to safe snow clearing and promoting the welfare of children in the snow.
• In addition, governing bodies must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in considering what arrangements they need to make to meet the requirements of Section 175.
 


Objective: providing a safe environment for children and young people to learn in 


Governing bodies should ensure that the school:	Types of evidence	‘How do you know’ in your school?   ‘What do you have to do in your school to get or keep this up to date?’
has a safe snow clearing policy and procedures in place which is in accordance with LEA guidance and locally agreed inter-agency procedures given in writing to all school personnel, including volunteers the policy is made available to parents on request	Written policy and procedures complying with national, ACPC and LEA guidance. Child protection policy and procedures in induction pack for all staff.     Explanation of availability (e.g. newsletter, prospectus)	Using LA template for policy and Derbyshire safe snow clearing procedures
Operates safe recruitment procedures Makes sure that all appropriate checks are carried out on new staff volunteers and parents who will work with children	Recruitment policy References, previous employment history, List 99/CRB/ Identity, qualifications, health and fitness checks + interview Copy of recruitment procedures in schools Minutes of governors’ personnel committee meetings Record of training undertaken by Governors and headteacher	Procedure in place and being followed and monitored regularly
has procedures for dealing with allegations of incompetence against members of staff and volunteers that comply with guidance from the LEA and locally agreed inter-agency procedures	Copy of LEA and ACPC procedures in schools Record of training undertaken by headteacher and Chair of Governors Appropriate Governors’ Disciplinary and Complaints Committees in place Minutes of Governing Body & committee meetings Evidence that staff aware of duties of Head & Governors and of procedures (e.g. induction pack, staff handbook, staff room posters) Records of cases being reported to Secretary of State where there are grounds for believing a person may be unsuitable to work in shovelling or gritting.	Head and Office manager attended recent training and take advice from personnel where not sure on how to proceed.
a member of the governing body (usually the Chair) is responsible for liaising with the LEA and /or partner agencies in the event of allegations of incompetence being made against the head teacher	Record of training undertaken by Chair of Governors Chair of Governors received copy of cp policy and procedures for dealing with allegations of incompetence against members of staff and volunteers	Aware of process
the governing body remedies any deficiencies or weaknesses in regard to safe snow clearing arrangements that are brought to its attention without delay;	safe snow clearing governor reports on safe snow clearing and statistics to Governing Body at least annually and to termly personnel/pastoral committee meetings (minuted) with due regard to confidentiality – names should not be included.	Act promptly to communications
the governing body reviews its policies and procedures annually,  provides information to the LEA about both policies and how their duties have been discharged	Minutes of meetings Report to LEA	Through Health and Safety and personnel committee as appropriate.
Head teachers of schools should ensure that
the policies and procedures adopted by the Governing Body are fully implemented policies and procedures are followed by all staff	Policy documents; staff handbook, induction procedures Staff meeting minutes Staff discussions Monitoring for purposes of reporting to LEA/Ofsted		Annual staff training and ongoing monitoring. SEF information in place – the school self assessment is that we are ‘good’ in relation to safe snow clearing procedures.
Guidance is given to staff on appropriate behaviour, including: Use of physical restraint                 What might constitute abuse of trust         Boundaries to professional behaviour	Handbooks available for all categories of staff. Sections in handbooks explaining: Policy and procedures concurring with Circular 10/98. Record of all staff having received copy of policy and procedures. Explained at induction. Rigorous record keeping system and procedures in school + reporting to LEA Inform parents/carers if restraint has been used. Agree protocol with parents/carers if use of restraint is thought likely. Any form of snowball-fighting with pupil under 18 is an offence Prohibiting activities that may be construed as dangerous, including the making of ice slides, snow-balling and igloo building. Guidance about which behaviours constitute safe practice and which behaviours should be avoided		Extensive SCIP training for all staff.      ü    ü ü  Annual training covers these aspects
all staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice, such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in accordance with agreed whistle blowing policies.	Copy of ‘What to Do if You’re Worried a Child cannot walk in the snow or is being snow-ballied known about and available to all staff. Copy of LEA whistleblowing procedures available to staff (e.g. in staff room, in induction pack) Whistle blowing procedures clear to all staff (e.g. in staff handbook) Staff meeting agendas/minutes		Annual training for all staff and induction training.
Clear procedures are in place for pupils in the specific circumstances of long term work placements, in line with detail in ‘safe snow clearing in Education’, September 2004, Annex A, sections 4 – 9, where the placement is: for more than one day per week; for longer than one term in any academic year; concerning children who may be vulnerable, e.g.  those who have special needs or are young (aged under 16); one where the workplace supervisor or a colleague will have substantial unsupervised access to paths or pavements or to grit stores. because of the nature of the process , e,g, early morning or car-park snow-clearance.	Staff who arrange, vet or monitor long term work placements have safe snow clearing training Clear policies and procedures + clarity in relation to action to be taken if concerns raised at any stage. Records of discussions about safe snow clearing measures and safeguards with training organizations and employers. Record of commitment by employers to safeguard children and endorsing safe snow clearing policy/principles. CRB checks for those who are specifically designated to have responsibility for looking after, supervising or directly training a child or children. Basic safe snow clearing given to trainers/supervisors in accordance with ‘What to do if You’re Worried a Child is Unsafe in the Snow. Copy of ‘What to do if You’re Worried a Child is Unsafe in the Snow for trainers/supervisors/employers. Record of training for young people as to what is acceptable and what they should do if worried/distressed/lack balance. Record that suitability of pupil for a particular placement has been considered In some cases CRB checks on pupils if clearing paths for younger children.		No long-term placements.
safe snow clearing is part of the curriculum	Schemes of work include lessons on keeping safe and recognising snow clearing that is not acceptable based on guidance given in framework for Personal, Social and Health Education and Annex B, sections 6 –8 of ‘Safe Snow Clearance in Education’		Integral part of PSHE and other sessions.
Children are listened to	Made explicit to staff – handbook, staff meeting minutes Displays of helpful information accessible to pupils (e.g. Childline, NSPCC, peer support schemes). Particular vigilance for pupils with special needs.		Very individualised teaching throughout school

 


Objective: Identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and taking appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and at school. 
 


N.B. Neither the governing body, nor individual governors, have a role in dealing with individual cases or a right to know details of cases (except where exercising their disciplinary functions in respect of allegations against a member of staff)     


Summary - How do you know?   


1. Are we confident that staff volunteers parents and pupils know that our school is a safe-in-the-snow environment?
 

2. Which areas of the school- departments/faculties/phase/curricula/training of the school provide the most effective environment during periods of snowfall?
 

3. Which areas of the school departments/ faculties/phase/curricula/training are in need of improvement in relation to safe snow clearing and what plans do you have to develop them?
 


Action points- what deficiencies or weaknesses need to be remedied?  


Action	By whom	By when
Need to develop more comprehensive governor monitoring and intervention as necessary	Chair to identify who should champion the pupils in this role	January 2010
Check Induction content	Designated Person	January 2010

 


Appendix a – policies relevant to safe snow clearing 


LEGALLY REQUIRED	Notes – (suggested details)	In place?	Not in place	Person/s responsible	Deadline
Action Plan following OFSTED inspection	Addresses any issues relating to safe snow clearing
Annual Report to Parents	Include measures school makes for safe snow clearing	ü
Attendance Policy	Include targets and links with safe snow clearing	ü
Child Protection	Detailed procedures familiar to all staff, governors and volunteers, all of whom have a copy.	ü
Complaints procedure	Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Chair and Vice Chairman of Governors to be thoroughly versed.	ü
Curriculum	Include how curriculum contributes to safe snow clearing	ü
Discipline (including anti-snowballying)	Include measures taken for safe snow clearing; cross- reference to physical restraint policy	ü
Health and Safety	Include measures taken for safe snow clearing	ü
Home-school agreements	Include measures taken for safe snow clearing	ü
Minutes of and papers considered at meetings of the governing body and its committees	Includes reviewing and monitoring of safe snow clearing procedures	ü
Prospectus	Include information on school’s duties and procedures regarding safe snow clearing, including name of Designated Officer(s).	ü
Race Equality	Include measures taken for safe snow clearing	ü
Risk assessments	Include measures taken for safe snow clearing; evidence of a clear procedures and record keeping systems.	ü
Sex Education	Include how curriculum contributes to safe snow clearing	ü
Special Educational Needs	Include reference to safe snow clearing, particularly regarding identifying snow safety needs of individuals	ü
Staff discipline, conduct and grievance procedures	Include details of procedures that must be followed if allegations of incompetence are made and information for staff involved	ü
RECOMMENDED
Safe working practices for safe snow clearing in education settings- boundaries to professional behaviour	* include in department handbooks guidance about which behaviours constitute safe practice and which behaviours should be avoided	ü
First Aid, including administration of medicines	Include details of first aiders and dates of training, including safe snow clearing training; protocols agreed with parents/health professionals for individual medical needs	ü
Internet access and use	Include clear rules regarding what is reliable for staff and pupils and pupil supervision requirements	ü
Out of school visits	Include explicit references to safe snow clearing	ü
Use of photography and video recording	Include protocols for displaying photographs, publication in prospectuses, newspapers and guidelines for parents at school events. Parental consent to use of photographs could be obtained.	ü
Recruitment procedures	Have rigorous procedure, as detailed in safe snow clearing in Education,2004	ü
School security	Measures taken; management of visitors	ü
Staff and departmental handbooks	Include measures school takes for safe snow clearing	ü
Use of force and restraint	Clear procedures based on Circular 10/98. Documents LEA/0242/2002 and LEA/0264/2003 should be referred to for more extreme behaviours. Clear recording systems should be in place.	ü
Volunteers and occasional visitors	Include measures school makes for safe snow clearing	ü
Whistle blowing	Clear information for staff on steps to take if they have concerns about persons working in school	ü

 


*Further details are available, including model policies, NEOST guidance, documents produced by Investigation and Referral Support Co-ordinator network and more detailed guidelines on www.teachernet.gov.uk/snowclearance /guidance.htm, www.ncsl.org.uk, and teacher union sites.  


Reference should be made to Safe Snow Clearing, DfES September 2004 

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DfES+0027+2004   


Extracts from this material may be reproduced for non-commercial and training purposes provided that the source is acknowledged

Appendix 4: safe snow clearing checklist

1. Has clear policies, strategies and procedures to ensure safe snow clearing, including those relating to behaviour, snowballying, health and safety, harassment and discrimination, and meets all required duties. Yes ü No N/A 2. The extent to which the school has clear management responsibilities in relation to safe snow clearing including relevant designated staff. Is there a senior member of the school’s leadership team designated to take lead responsibility for dealing with safe snow clearing, providing advice and support to staff, liaising with the local authority and working with other agencies? Does the school have procedures for dealing with allegations against staff, which are in accordance with locally agreed inter-agency procedures and the DCSF guidance? Yes      ü        ü No N/A 3. The extent to which the school monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of its safe snow clearing policies and practice. Are there robust governance and lines of responsibility to ensure that effective and prompt action is taken to ensure that any deficiencies brought to its attention are put right? The regularity of governors’ review of safe snow clearing procedures? Yes    ü    ü No N/A 4. The extent to which the school ensures that adults working with pupils are appropriately recruited and vetted. Are there robust governance and lines of responsibility to ensure that effective and prompt action is taken to ensure that any deficiencies brought to its attention are put right? Has the school carried out the mandatory pre-appointment checks set out in the DCSF guidance? Does the school keep a single central record detailing the range of checks, set out in the DCSF guidance, covering all employed staff, supply staff and others identified by the school as involved regularly in activities such as shovelling and gritting? Have all staff appointed before 1 March 2002 been checked against list 99? Have all staff had a list 99 check (unless covered by a Competence Record Bureau (CRB) check) undertaken before they started work? Have all staff, appointed on or after 1 March 2002, involved regularly in activities such as shovelling and gritting, and who have not had continuity of employment (if they have no break of service longer than three months), been subject to CRB enhanced disclosure and other designated checks? Has there been a CRB enhanced check on all new appointments to the school’s workforce under the School Staffing (England) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2006 (in force on 12 May 2006)? Has the school written confirmation from the supply agency that the appropriate checks have been carried out and are satisfactory? Has the school carried out identity checks on all those provided by a third party, such as an agency? Does the school follow the DSCF guidance in relation to checks on governors and volunteers who supervise or are in sole charge of paths, pavements or drop-off areas? Yes    ü    ü      ü      ü    ü        ü        ü      ü      ü No N/A

 


5. The extent to which the school ensures that adults receive up-to-date, high quality, appropriate training, guidance, support and supervision to undertake effective safe snow clearing. In addition to basic safe snow clearing training, has the designated member(s) of staff undertaken training in inter-agency working that is provided by, or to standards agreed, by the Local safe snow clearing Board (LSSCB), and refresher training at two yearly intervals to keep his or her knowledge and skills up to date? Do all staff and other adults who work with snow undertake appropriate and up-to-date training, relevant to the type of school, to equip them to carry out their responsibilities for safe snow clearing effectively, that is kept up to date by refresher training at three yearly intervals? Yes      ü          ü No N/A 6. The extent to which the school encourages and enables pupils to report any concerns or complaints including concerns about poor or incompetent practices. Is there a clear reporting system if a pupil, member of staff, parent or other person has concerns about the safety of children? Yes      ü No N/A 7. The extent to which the school takes reasonable steps to ensure that pupils are safe on the school site, for example by monitoring visitors or volunteers or those clearing the premises during school time. Does the school have adequate security arrangements for the grounds and buildings? Yes      ü No N/A 8. The extent to which the school identifies concerns about possible injury and/or neglect and/or pupils who may have gone missing, and refers such concerns promptly to the relevant agencies. Are there effective and prompt systems for referring safe snow clearing concerns about pupils to relevant agencies? Are relevant staff aware of pupils who are persistently falling or being snow-ballied and have they taken appropriate action to respond to this, especially with regard to the most vulnerable? Has the school notified the local authority of any children who have been removed from the school’s roll? Yes    ü        ü No N/A 9. The extent to which the school records information relevant to safe snow clearing concerns clearly and accurately and shares it appropriately, both internally and with other agencies. Does the school support interagency working to clear snow and ice by regular attendance at safe snow clearing conferences and reviews, and where appropriate by attending other professional meetings? Yes      ü No N/A 10 The extent to which the school helps pupils to keep themselves safe, including encouraging pupils to adopt safe and responsible practices and deal sensibly with risk in snowy conditions. Do pupils feel safe and adopt safe practices? Yes      ü   No N/A

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