Staying safe - Teaching Expertise

This secondary assembly encourages students to consider the benefits of slowing down, in terms of greater enjoyment and health, referencing the principles behind the Slow Down London festival.

The provision of transport for pupils with SEN, specifically the responsibility of local authorities (LAs) in this area is discussed here by Michael Segal

Support for children with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and anaphylaxis are the subject of this SENCO Week, as Linda Evans offers SENCos related advice

Safety is an important part of any school sports programme. Risk from unstable goalposts might seem remote, but can unfortunately present more problems than you might think, as Chris Green reports

The emphasis of school trips is now on risk-aversion, with priority being placed on experience and adventure. But schools should remember that the threat of litigation has not diminished, warns Susie Roome

The DCSF claim their safety and play strategies make children safer than ever in primary schools. But has this increase in health and safety come at the cost of life experience and fun? Suzanne O’Connell investigates

Are you fully up-to-date with the latest guidance on preventing arson in your school? Gill O’Donnell provides a comprehensive briefing to make sure that you are

What can schools actually do about tackling self-harm at primary schools? Sue Morris discusses this in her second article on self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children

Local authorities owe a certain standard of care to children within their area. This case explores the legal implications and consequences of that responsibility, if it is believed to not have been upheld

The protection of older young people, particularly from the ages 16 to 18, can be overlooked. One serious case review of the suicide of a 16-year-old girl highlights the issues involved, explains Jenni Whitehead

What makes young people want to commit suicide, and, crucially, how can we prevent it? Jenni Whitehead looks at research and approaches to helping

In a move away from strict liability in terms of accidents at school, the courts have said that they are sometimes nobody’s fault. Kris Lines explains

All children benefit from exercise – including those with asthma. Understanding the condition can help teachers support those who suffer from it, says Jill Wyatt

The statistics regarding childhood health and overweight children are alarming, says Roger Smith. Here are some practical suggestions to promote healthy eating habits in children

As the government looks to include more sport in the curriculum, Crispin Andrews looks at the safety dilemmas involved in using outside staff to deliver activities

Do you think you know the key points regarding internet safety for children and young people? Jenni Whitehead says that a recent report challenging current thinking on the related dangers suggests not, and offers some suggestions of advice for young people

Sue Morris looks at self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children, including the definitions, prevalence rates and the factors that increase and reduce risk

The Staying Safe Action Plan was launched by Ed Balls in February 2008, but what does the government hope to achieve with Staying Safe, and will it work? Susie Roome discusses the policy and practical implications of this three-year strategy

Scientists looking at the world food shortage are wondering whether we should all be eating more insects. This assembly discusses the issue and draws in the serious debate about world food shortages read more

Early Years Update focuses on the importance of health and well being with babies, toddlers and three- to five-year-old children. This is part of a range of practical ideas to underpin the information in the Early Years Foundation Stage Principles into Practice cards

Your teaching staff must have the health and physical capacity to teach, but in assessing this you must make sure you comply with disability discrimination rules, says Yvonne Spencer

Early Years Update focuses on the importance of the personal and physical safety of babies, toddlers and three- to five-year-old children. This is part of a range of practical ideas to underpin the information in the Early Years Foundation Stage Principles into Practice cards

Health and safety is not only essential, it can also be a very useful planning tool if approached sufficiently far in advance of a school event

The Children’s Plan was launched by Ed Balls in December 2007, but what are the government’s objectives for this initiative?

Many schools are happy to leave assessment of health and safety on work experience placements to outside agencies, but does this allow them to properly exercise their duty of care? Ruth Bradbury examines the problems and provides practical advice on how schools can play a more active role in the process read more

It all depends on the SEN and disability discrimination regimes. David Ruebain, Chris Barnett and David Wolfe examine a recent case that sets out some limits read more

The work of school nurses should bridge health, education and social care boundaries

Most local safeguarding children boards are now looking at road safety. Jenni Whitehead describes how schools can contribute to a new government campaign to reduce injuries to children caused by car accidents

A headteacher was fined £12,500 after a boy died at school. What does this mean for educators? Hazel Padmore investigates

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), looks at the wisdom of using the power to search in schools and concludes that there are often better options read more

Significant numbers of children with epilepsy attend mainstream schools. If they are to get the most from their education it is important for schools to know what, and how, to tell all pupils about their condition. Ann Lewis and Sarah Parsons of the University of Birmingham School of Education outline the findings of a one-year research project funded by Epilepsy Action read more

How should you review your health and safety procedures at the start of an academic year? Gill O’Donnell explains

Ingrid Sutherland outlines controversial new guidance on the provision of sexual health services in schools

Patrick Ferguson, headteacher of De la Salle Humanities College, Liverpool, looks at the important role effective security plays in school improvement read more

Wireless technology is useful, but raises health concerns. Vicky Lapins looks at schools’ obligations for safer use read more

Jon Handcock outlines the latest British Red Cross initiative for acquiring first aid skills read more

Special needs consultant Patti Turner details the actions you need to take to ensure your school is fully meeting the medicinal needs of all children read more

Recognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith read more

Lesley Hendy examines how you can look after your voice when teaching outside and also gives some tips on reading aloud

Gill O’Donnell argues that schools need to take a proactive approach to fire alarms if they are not to fall foul of the new disability discrimination legislation

A new curriculum-based website to promote awareness of meningitis is outlined by Caroline Hill. read more

A proposed change in the law would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco. Peter Downes discusses the implications for schools. read more

ThinkuKnow is an education campaign that highlights the risks of the internet. CEOP’s public support coordinator, Hannah Bickers, invites readers to participate

When an early years setting is damaged by fire, the effects are far wider reaching than the material damage to the building. Consider the trauma to staff and children, loss of work and resources, and effect on the local community. read more

New initiatives, including travel plans and school transport advisers, are being introduced. Managers ignore these at their peril, writes Ingrid Sutherland. read more

Arson attacks on schools are serious and frequent. Nick Bason of the Arson Prevention Bureau sets out the key aspects of awareness and prevention. read more

A fire safety petition is calling for the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and refurbished schools. read more

Angela Youngman looks at a scheme in Norwich that is raising interest around the country and two other awards that encourage good hygiene and healthy eating. read more

Faye Spalding provides an overview of your responsibilities to your staff. read more

Angela Youngman talked with Justine O’Driscoll of the Bedford Just Learning Nursery about making computers accessible for children in the early years. read more