safety - Doubled Up

Here’s the next thrilling installment, folks! I’m not sure if I’ve put in previous blogs that many of these responsibilities can, and usually are passed on to the head teacher.

16) Inspections: Once the head teacher has notified the GB of an Ofsted inspection, the GB must inform parents and give them an opportunity to express their views on the school to the inspectors. The LA must also be informed, along with the local Learning and Skills Council (secondary schools) plus whoever appoints governors at Voluntary Aided schools. If there are any children at the school who are looked after by the LA, then the appropriate person at the LA should also be informed.

Once a school receives its Ofsted report, the GB is responsible for sending a copy to parents within 5 working days. It must also be made available to anyone who asks for a copy.

As well as any Ofsted inspection, schools of religious character must have the content of their act of collective worship and religious instruction inspected every 3 years.

17) Health and Safety: The GB is responsible for the health and safety of pupils. Schools must have a health and safety policy and must have the means of ensuring it is followed. Risk assessments must be carried out by members of staff who are suitably trained.

Schools should have a policy for managing medicines and helping children with medical needs.

Governors should be looking at having a school travel plan by the end of the decade, though this is not statutory.

GBs are responsible for keeping the land that is under their control free from litter, refuse and dog excrement as far as is possible.

Free school meals must be provided to certain groups of children (details are given on page 147 of the Guide to the Law). All food provided (either free meals, or paid for meals) must meet certain nutritional standards.

Pupils must have access to drinking water.

Schools must have effective child protection procedures and policies.

GBs have a responsibility to promote community cohesion. This is new since 2007, and has been inspected from Sept 2008.

Bouncy castles at the school fete may not be a big issue in the greater scheme of things, but, once again, I don't know how far to go with expressing my opinions...

I am concerned about the bouncy castle at the school fete, following the accident that was reported in the press after which the family that had hired the castle were sued. There is a reluctance on behalf of the Parents Association to put an age limit on the castle. I, at the very least, want a sign that restricts older children being on the castle when younger children are on it. At best, I want to prevent anyone over the age of 10 from using the castle (this is an infant school fete).

I am aware that one of the mums who is named to help on the castle brings her older children with her and that they are not the best behaved of children, so I feel that it would be easier for anyone working with her to have been given the rule and have a sign to refer to. That way it is clear.

The problem is that some governors agree, and others think I am just being an old fusspot again. But I don't want to back down when the safety of the children is at stake.

My understanding is that, should there be an accident, the school (that means the governing body) would be responsible, so I would like to show that we have taken every measure to make it as safe as possible. Is this actually the case, does anyone know? Could the school be sued if there is an accident and we haven't taken the proper measures to keep things safe?

Am I fussing over nothing? Or am I right? Should I stick to my guns or back down? And, ultimately, who gets to decide - the Chair of Governors, the Head or does it go to a vote?

The fete is on Saturday, so not long to decide!