Health and safety guidelines

General (top)

School staff should familiarise themselves with the Centre's local operating and emergency procedures (PDF) and ensure that supervising adults and pupils are briefed as appropriate.
Generic risk assessments are produced and updated by Centre staff for the sites that are regularly visited by School groups and the planned activities undertaken.
School staff need to consider any specific risks associated with bringing their group to Sparsholt and the planned activities eg. travel, behaviour, medical.
The following documents give further guidance relating to school visits to farms: Hampshire County Council 'Off-Site Activities and Educational Visits: Regulations & Guidance' 2003; Safety in Science (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) and HSE, and Avoiding ill-health at open farms - advice to teachers.

There should be an official register of attendance and a copy should be given to centre staff. Visiting staff should ensure that they have access to pupil's emergency contact numbers and medical details (local operating procedures)
Pupils under 8 years of age require a ratio of 1:8 adults to pupils. Hazardous sites require a ratio of 1:12 adults to pupils, though we recommend a smaller groups whenever possible.

Pupils need to be closely supervised when in direct contact with animals and should not let the animals suck their fingers.
All visitors should wash hands immediately after contact with animals.
Younger pupils must be carefully supervised to ensure their hand washing is thorough (using soap and warm water).
Children should be discouraged from putting their hands on their face or fingers in their mouths.
Thorough hand washing is essential before eating.
Ensure that any visitor with a cut or abrasion keeps it covered, e.g. with a plaster, for the duration of the visit.
Pupils who suffer from asthma or hay fever should carry their medication with them in case it is urgently required.

First aid boxes are sited at all main buildings and are clearly marked.
Schools' centre staff carry first aid kits when leading groups and a kit is also available at the Centre.
There are a number of qualified first aiders (HSE first aid at work - appointed persons and a College nurse) available, including the teaching staff at the Centre.

Any accident, however minor, should be reported to Sparsholt staff who will administer first aid if necessary and ensure that the incident is reported.
A written report is required for any accident or near miss.
In some circumstances, a separate written account may be required.

Emergency services can be summoned using a College telephone by dialing 3333. State the emergency service required and the receptionist will also contact the necessary college services.
The fire assembly point for the schools centre is in the car park next to the Centre.
Elsewhere on site, follow the fire notices and/or the directions of Sparsholt staff.