Most schools in the UK provide a safe environment for the children studying in them. However, schools being run by fallible human beings, there always exists the possibility of an oversight introducing a safety risk. And it’s fair to say that some schools perform better than others when it comes to basic health and safety.

As such, it’s worth being vigilant if you’re a parent of a school-aged child. But exactly what kinds of hazards should you be keeping an eye out for, and how should you approach safety-related conversations with the school and your child?

School Safety What Parents Should Know

Understanding Your Child’s Right to Safety

It’s important to understand that safety in school is not just desirable – it’s also legally necessary. If the school doesn’t provide a safe environment, and a child suffers harm as a result, then the school could be held accountable.

Key Areas Where School Safety Matters Most

In cases of severe injury, the damages could be accordingly substantial. For example, a slip down a staircase might result in one or more brain injury claims. As such, staircases are worth special attention. Looking for fire extinguishers, fire safety doors, and fire exits is also worthwhile. This is where modern buildings are sometimes (though not always) superior to historic ones.

What to Ask During School Visits or Meetings

When you’re dealing with the school, it’s important to have a few important questions in mind. These might involve the way that schools approach security, and what measures are in place to exclude intruders.

Make Sure Your Child Knows Who’s Collecting Them

Children should be aware of exactly who is coming to get them, and they should understand not to get into the car with people they don’t know – or who aren’t allowed to pick them up. This is a concern that’s more pressing for estranged and divorced couples. But strangers can pose a risk, too.

Helping Your Child Recognise Their Own Name

Most kids are able to recognise their own names by the time they reach school age. In the minority of cases where this hasn’t happened, you can give them a helping hand with the help of games and activities – and by simply writing their name down around the house. A child who can recognise their own name might be better able to react when a safety risk arises.

Learning the Name of Their Teacher or Teaching Assistant

If you know the names of every person involved in your child’s education, then your interactions with the school, and with your child, might be much more enlightening. You’ll understand exactly who is doing what, and who to approach when you have concerns.

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When Accidents Happen: Immediate Steps to Take

Schools will have specific procedures to follow in the event of an accident. As a parent, you might be summoned to take your child out of school. In some cases, you might be instructed to meet with them at a hospital. This is a rare occurrence – but it’s one worth preparing for. Keep your phone to hand, and make sure that you pick up when the school calls.

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