Health and Safety
Health and Safety Linked Governors: Sheila Little, Philip Horton and Sam Stephenson
At The Arches, we take our role to act In Loco Parentis extremely seriously and this isn't any different when it comes to the health and safety of all our purple community. Whilst your children are in our care, we do the upmost at all times to ensure they have a happy, and healthy experience and that we have the best safeguarding measures in place. Staff take part in regular training to fulfil these roles, so that you can rest assured they will remain safe in our care throughout the day and at all times. Below is some further information outlining the specific ways in which we prioritise the health and safety of our children.
We teach the benefits of exercise and eating a healthy diet. Our school meals meet all the nutritional standards and all KS1 children receive a free hot school meal every day.
We also teach social and emotional learning skills across the curriculum where apparent to encourage children to develop good relationships with others, positive attitudes and mental wellbeing. We are an honest and open school which promotes trust, openess and the importance of discussion to our children to ensure their mental health and wellbeing is the best it can be and they understand the importance of promoting and maintaining this throughout their adult life and the ways in which this can be accomplished - other than a purple hug which solves all!
We set very high expectations for behaviour as we do for learning and we have very clear rules, sanctions and rewards. We encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour, to care for each other, respect the school environment and have exemplary manners. It is also our aim to create good citizens who actively contribute to our community and who are committed to making a better world.
Parents should notify the school of any medical issues relating to their child on admission to the school, including details of any medication. Children with a long-term medical condition will need to complete a medical plan and all staff within school will be aware of the details and requirements of each.
The Arches is a very inclusive school (see Inclusion tab). We have a clear SEND policy and ensure all children are provided for as effectively as is possible. Children with statements of special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are equally included and cared for whilst being welcomed and respected and we make every effort to ensure they are given the additional and different support they require. Disabled access is outlined in our policy and there is also a lift up to the first floor.
It is a sad reality that some children are abused physically, emotionally, sexually or through neglect. All schools have a legal duty to look for signs of abuse and report suspected cases to Social Services, who will then carry out any necessary investigation. At The Arches we take this matter very seriously, using the local authority’s guidelines in carrying out our duty of care to our children.
Schools are also required by law to provide relevant information on children to Social Services as part of any investigation and to share that information at multi-agency child protection meetings, to which parents are usually invited.
While we always aim to work in partnership with parents in relation to children’s welfare, the safety and protection of the children are always paramount. See our policy on this for further information.
