We believe we comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as we act responsibly and take our fire safety duties seriously in order to protect pupils, school personnel and visitors to school

In compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 we have in place a Fire Safety Manager who has overall responsibility for fire safety matters at this school.

We believe it is essential to have in place an effective policy for the evacuation of the school building in the event of a fire or any other emergency. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual members of the school personnel to make themselves familiar with this policy and procedures to ensure the safe evacuation of all pupils.

We will ensure that regular fire risk assessments are undertaken, that fire equipment is maintained to a high standard, that all school personnel are aware of and trained in the detailed evacuation procedures in order that no life is put in danger in the event of a fire.

We will ensure that risk assessments, evacuation procedures and fire precaution systems are reviewed every half term.

We wish to work closely with the School Council and to hear their views and opinions as we acknowledge and support Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that children should be encouraged to form and to express their views.

We as a school community have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Aims

• To comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

• To have in place precautions and procedures in order to minimise the effects of an outbreak of fire.

• To have in place a programme of regular evacuation procedures.

• To ensure that appropriate fire precaution systems are in place and followed.

• To ensure that the Fire Safety Manager undertakes regular training.

• To work with other schools to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

Role of the Governing Body

• appointed a Fire Safety Manager to take overall responsibility for fire safety matters at this school;

• delegated powers and responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all school personnel and stakeholders are aware of and comply with this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring that the school complies with all equalities legislation;

• responsibility for ensuring funding is in place to support this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring this policy and all policies are maintained and updated regularly;

• responsibility for ensuring all policies are made available to parents;

• Health and Safety Committee to visit the school regularly, to liaise with the Headteacher to report back to the Governing Body;

• responsibility for the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this policy

Role of the Headteacher

• ensure all school personnel, pupils and parents are aware of and comply with this policy;

• ensure portable electrical equipment is annually checked;

• be responsible for the implementation of the school safety policy and to develop a culture of safety throughout the school;

• periodically report to the Premises, Health, Safety and Security Sub-committee;

• ensure that all school personnel fulfil their duties to co-operate with the policy;

• undertake risk assessments annually with the Health and Safety Representative and Site Manager;

• report any accidents or dangerous occurrences;

• investigate the causes of any accident, dangerous occurrence or near miss;

• put into place a safe system to prevent any accident, dangerous occurrence or near miss happening again;

• ensure that new school personnel will undertake appropriate induction training;

• ensure that established school personnel receive training when required;

• undertake an annual health and safety audit;

• provide leadership and vision in respect of equality;

• provide guidance, support and training to all staff;

• monitor the effectiveness of this policy;

• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy

Role of the Health & Safety Committee

• work closely with the Headteacher and the Fire Safety Manager;

• ensure this policy and other linked policies are up to date;

• ensure that everyone connected with the school is aware of this policy;

• report to the Governing Body every term; 

• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy

Role of the Fire Safety Manager

The Fire Safety Manager will:

• have overall responsibility for fire safety matters;

• undertake risk assessments;

• have in place fire procedures;

• have in place an evacuation of the school building plan;

• conduct fire drills;

• be responsible for fire safety training;

• make periodic inspections of fire equipment;

• make periodic checks of the audible fire alarm  equipment;

• make weekly checks to confirm fire safety procedures are adhered to;

• maintain fire equipment;

• ensure fire signs and notices are in place:

  • on all exits 

  • in classrooms

  • in corridors

  • next to fire alarm call points

  • on fire equipment

  • on fire assembly points

• ensure a reserve supply of fire safety signs are always in stock;

• check that all fire exit doors are clear of obstructions;

• check that fire detection and protection systems are tested and maintained;

• keep records of fire drills, training and maintenance of equipment; 

• contact liaise with the fire service and the emergency services if a fire takes place;

• undertake periodic training in all fire safety procedures;

• liaise with the nominated governor

• report fire safety to the Governing Body each half term

Role of the Site Manager

The Site Manager will ensure that:

• building security checks take place every day;

• all escape routes and fire exit doors are kept clear;

• all rubbish and recyclable material is stored securely;

• all refuse bins are kept away from the building in a secure compound;

• undertake periodic training in all fire safety procedures;

• periodic discussions take place with the Fire Safety Manager and the Headteacher

Role of the Health and Safety Coordinator

The Health and Safety Coordinator will:

• carry out regular inspections of premises and school activities;

• assist in carrying risk assessments;

• investigate potential hazards, employee complaints, accidents and dangerous occurrences;

• make representation to employers and others on health and safety matters arising;

• provide information and guidance to school personnel;

• provide training when suitably qualified to do so

Role of School Personnel

• are responsible for the safe evacuation of all pupils in their charge;

• have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure they do not place themselves or others at risk or harm;

• are expected to be fully aware of and comply with all fire and emergency evacuation procedures;

• are responsible for maintaining a high standard of fire precautions in areas under their control or influence such as:

  • not covering heaters

  • not overloading electrical sockets

  • not leaving rubbish lying around

• must ensure that pupils for whom they are responsible are informed of fire evacuation procedures;

• undertake periodic training in all fire safety procedures;

• undertake training in the use of portable fire-fighting equipment;

• must report any concern they have in regard to fire safety;

• implement the school’s equalities policy and schemes;

• report and deal with all incidents of discrimination;

• attend appropriate training sessions on equality;

• report any concerns they have on any aspect of the school community

Role of Pupils

Pupils will undertake regular emergency evacuation drills when they will be taught to:

• listen to the instructions from their teacher or other responsible adult that is with them at the time the alarm sounds;

• remain calm;

• be orderly in leaving the building;

• treat others, their work and equipment with respect;

• support the LPS Code and guidance necessary to ensure the  smooth running of the school;

• liaise with the school council;

• take part in questionnaires and surveys

Pupils are expected to:

• follow the safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of teaching staff given in an emergency;

• use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with things provided for their safety;

• exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others;

• observe standards of dress consistent with safety and or / or hygiene;

• be aware of and comply with this policy;

• listen carefully to all instructions given by the teacher;

• ask for further help if they do not understand;

• treat others, their work and equipment with respect;

Emergency Evacuation Procedures of the School Building

All school personnel to be aware of guidelines for the evacuation of the building.

• When the alarm sounds the pupils should remain calm and they must listen to the following instructions from the teacher.

• The pupils will then leave via the nearest exit indicated by the class teacher who will be the last person to leave the classroom.

• Doors must be closed when leaving the room.

• The class teacher should count the number leaving the class and then recount at the assembly point. 

• The assembly point is in the top yard

• OMRs or registers will be brought from the office and distributed.

• Under no circumstances should any one re-enter the building if someone is missing. The fire brigade should be informed of any missing person but no one other than members of the fire service will be allowed into the school building.

Fire Safety Training

All school personnel will be trained in:

• fire precautions and procedures;

• emergency evacuation procedures;

• the use of fire equipment;

• good housekeeping practices

Alarm System

• Each week the alarm system will be sounded and checked.

• Annual maintenance will take place.

• Staff will be trained in how to use it.

Emergency Exits

• All exits to be free from obstructions.

• All exits to be checked every day.

• All exits to be clearly signed.

Fire Equipment

• Fire equipment to be annually maintained by the Fire Service.

• All staff to be trained in its use.

Evacuation Exercises

• Regular (3 per year) evacuation exercises to be undertaken by pupils and school personnel.

Role of Parents/Carers

Parents/carers will:

• be aware of and comply with this policy;

• be asked to take part periodic surveys conducted by the school

• support the school Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure smooth running of the school

Raising Awareness of this Policy

We will raise awareness of this policy via:

• the LPS Prospectus

• the LPS Handbook

• the LPS Website

• meetings with parents such as introductory, transition, parent-teacher consultations and periodic curriculum workshops

• school events

• meetings with school personnel

• communications with home such as weekly newsletters and of end of half term newsletters

• reports such annual report to parents and Headteacher reports to the Governing Body

• information displays in the main school entrance

Training

We ensure all school personnel have equal chances of training, career development and promotion.

Periodic training will be organised for all school personnel so that they are kept up to date with new information and guide lines concerning equal opportunities.

This policy will be reviewed when necessary.