A Safe System of Work (SSW) or Safe Working Procedure (SWP) as they are termed in EEC, puts in place control measures arising from a risk assessment, in order to eliminate identified hazards (where possible) and complete the task with…

As part of the Council’s policy review programme, the Health and Safety Service has published updated policies on the Health and Safety Internet site. The following policies were reviewed: HS05 Food Safety Policy (Supporting Guidance available) HS19 Legionella Policy (Supporting…

It is the responsibility of the school to ensure trees are managed in an appropriate manner regardless of how many trees there are on the property. A thorough tree risk assessment-based survey should be carried out at regular intervals. There…

As a result of feedback from schools, over the Easter holidays our Civica support team have made changes to the Inspections associated with fire drills. Fire drills will now be asked for termly which means you will need to enact…

Inspections, Questionnaires (Annual Returns) and Fire Risk Assessment Actions Premises Managers for maintained schools are using Civica to manage their building’s compliance and this involves completing the following tasks: Updating Inspections Examples of inspections include termly fire drills, intruder alarm…

This article explains the importance of contacting our Asbestos team (Somerset Scientific Services) and following their advice if you need to arrange the removal of Asbestos from your school. Prior to the appointment of the contractor, the council Asbestos Team…

It was felt that many incidents are logged under one of the violence categories and by having dysregulated as an individual category it helps to better identify young people with dysregulated attributes as an underlying factor rather than having an…

The HSE are continuing with their programme of inspections of primary and secondary schools in England, Wales and Scotland to assess how schools are managing the risk from asbestos. This will be in schools constructed prior to the year 2000.…

As part of the Council’s policy review programme, the Health and Safety Service has published updated policies on the Health and Safety Internet site. The following policies were reviewed: New and Expectant Parents HS017 (Supporting Guidance and risk assessment template…

Whilst delivering External Visit Co-ordinator (EVC) training recently, one of the delegates arrived in his Outdoor Education branded fleece and contributed to many of the day’s discussions. Chris Chorley is the Executive Headteacher at St Vigor & St Johns and…

This article explains what are certificates and evidence in Civica. Certificate definition in Civica = A piece of evidence demonstrating that an activity/inspection has been undertaken. Evidence doesn’t always have to be in the form of a formal certificate. Some…

The Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) form should be completed for anyone who requires assistance with any aspect of emergency evacuation. An example of someone needing a PEEP form could be for a pupil who cannot get themselves out of…

This training is delivered to schools and academies that require an External Visits Coordinator (EVC) to monitor and endorse off-site visits and activities, as part of their outdoor education programme and in line with duties and responsibilities for schools. Upcoming…

Schools within Somerset Council use European Educational Consultants (EEC) as its primary Health and Safety Management System. This system enables schools to compile risk assessments, record accidents and near misses, submit off-site visit applications for endorsement and provides the platform…

The HSE are continuing with their programme of inspections of primary and secondary schools in England, Wales and Scotland to assess how schools are managing the risk from asbestos. This will be in schools constructed prior to the year 2000.…

The team have created a new monthly F10 Fire check form in the Questionnaires tab of Civica for schools, which will ask for evidence about your weekly fire call point tests for example. Weekly inspections forms have been removed as…

Maintained Schools within Somerset Council use European Educational Consultants (EEC) as its primary Health and Safety Management System. This system enables schools to compile risk assessments, record accidents and near misses, submit off-site visit applications for endorsement and provides the…

A London primary school has been fined £35,000 after a child received 45 per cent burns to their body at a carol concert. The school was found guilty after a trial following an incident at a church on 11th December…

These changes came into enactment on 1st October 2023. The ones that are relevant to schools are outlined below: Articles 9 (Fire Risk Assessment) and 11 (requirement to record) Civica meets both articles as it produces the Fire Risk Assessment…

At this time of year, surfaces can be perilous – there are plenty of seasonal factors to consider when avoiding these sorts of accidents. Poor lighting, excess water from rain and even wet and decaying leaves can all cause slip-and-trip…