1. Statement of Intent
Taqwa Institute is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all children (aged 4–16), staff, volunteers and visitors at its premises and during all off-site activities.
This policy is informed by:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
The Trustees retain ultimate statutory responsibility for health and safety. Day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the Principal.
2. Responsibilities
2.1 Trustees / Non-Executive Body
- Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation
- Provide adequate resources for health and safety
- Receive and review H&S reports from the Principal
- Review this policy annually
2.2 Principal
- Ensure all staff are aware of and follow H&S policies
- Conduct or oversee risk assessments for all activities
- Ensure First Aid provision is in place
- Investigate accidents and near-misses
- Report notifiable incidents under RIDDOR
- Ensure contractors on site comply with H&S requirements
2.3 All Staff
- Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of children and colleagues
- Report hazards, accidents and near-misses immediately
- Follow all H&S procedures and safe working practices
- Co-operate with the Principal on H&S matters
3. Risk Assessment
Risk assessments are carried out for all activities and reviewed at least annually or following any incident. Specific assessments are required for:
- Use of equipment and premises
- Educational visits and off-site activities (including sports: football, archery, horse riding, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, swimming)
- Activities involving young children (aged 4–7)
- Manual handling
- COSHH
- Lone working
- Fire risk (reviewed annually by a competent person)
4. Fire Safety
Taqwa Institute complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:
- Fire risk assessment completed and reviewed annually
- Fire evacuation drills conducted at least termly
- Fire exit routes kept clear at all times
- Fire alarms and equipment tested and maintained regularly
- All staff trained in fire evacuation procedures during induction
- Assembly point: (to be confirmed for Crossbank Street premises)
Named fire marshals are designated for each area. The fire marshal list is displayed in each classroom and at reception.
5. First Aid
In line with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981:
- At least one qualified First Aider present during all sessions
- Names and locations of First Aiders displayed in all rooms
- First aid boxes maintained and checked regularly
- All accidents requiring first aid recorded in the Accident Book
- A head injury letter sent home where a child receives a bump to the head
- Parents/carers contacted immediately where a child requires hospital treatment
6. Medical & Health Conditions
Asthma
Pupils with asthma must have a reliever inhaler accessible at all times. Staff are briefed on management of asthma attacks.
Severe Allergies (including Anaphylaxis)
Pupils with severe allergies must have a current EpiPen accessible at all times. Staff with direct responsibility for the child are trained in EpiPen use.
Diabetes
Pupils with diabetes must have required equipment accessible. Staff are briefed on recognition and management of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
Infectious Diseases
Where a pupil or member of staff is affected by a notifiable infectious disease, Taqwa Institute will seek advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and act accordingly.
7. Accident & Incident Reporting
| Category | Action |
|---|---|
| Minor | Treated on site — recorded in Accident Book |
| Significant | Hospital treatment required — record and inform parent/carer immediately |
| RIDDOR-notifiable | Report to HSE at www.hse.gov.uk/riddor or 0345 300 9923 |
8. Supervision of Children
| Age Group | Minimum Ratio (Indoor) | Minimum Ratio (Outdoor) |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 4–7 | 1:8 | 1:4 |
| Ages 8–16 | 1:15 | Higher ratios for risk activities |
- Children must not be left unsupervised at any time during Taqwa sessions
- Children are released only to an authorised adult or sibling (see Sibling Collection Policy)
- No child is permitted to leave the premises unsupervised without prior parental consent
9. Security
- All visitors must sign in at reception on arrival
- Visitors are not permitted unsupervised access to children
- External doors are secured during sessions
- Any suspicious person must be reported to the Principal immediately
- Staff must never allow a child to leave with an unauthorised adult
10. Off-Site Activities & Educational Visits
All educational visits require prior approval from the Principal and must include:
- A completed risk assessment
- Written parental consent
- A named Trip Leader with current First Aid training
- Contact details of all supervising adults
- Information on emergency procedures and nearest medical facilities
- Appropriate adult-to-child supervision ratios
Sports activities (football, archery, horse riding, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, swimming) each require sport-specific risk assessments.
11. Contractors on Site
All contractors must:
- Observe their own H&S Code of Practice
- Be supervised when children are present
- Have no direct contact with children unless supervised by Taqwa staff
- Be briefed on fire evacuation procedures before starting work
- Not leave tools, equipment or hazardous materials accessible to children
12. Policy Review
Reviewed annually by the Principal and Trustees.
Next review: Academic Year 2026–2027
Taqwa Institute | Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE | Charity No: 1131176 office@taqwainstitute.org | 0161 633 3626 | www.taqwainstitute.org