Bowen Education (2025-2026)
Scope: This policy and associated procedures apply to all Bowen Education staff and volunteers involved in Sunday Chinese school and weekday enrichment classes. It is intended to guide how we assess, monitor, and control risk in order to protect students, staff, families, and visitors while safeguarding equipment and the environment.
Definitions:
Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm.
Risk: The likelihood and consequence of harm being realised.
Harm: Injury, illness, environmental damage, or damage to property.
Responsible Person: Risk assessments are coordinated by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and reviewed by activity coordinators and site supervisors.
Risk Assessment Process (5 Steps):
Identify Hazards: Observe activities and environment (arrival/departure, classroom layouts, fire safety, materials, field trips).
Identify Who May Be Harmed: Including children, staff, parents, volunteers, and visitors.
Evaluate Risks & Decide on Controls: Determine existing control measures and whether further action is necessary.
Record Findings & Implement Actions: Document and share results. Ensure all necessary safety measures are enforced.
Review Assessments: At least annually, or in response to changes in activities, staffing, locations, or following an incident.
Specific Considerations at Bowen:
Activities operate primarily at Forest Park School, Sale (Sundays 9:30–12:30 & afternoons 13:00–17:00).
Fire exits, procedures, and assembly points are clearly indicated.
Students are always supervised; no child is left alone.
Parents must disclose health conditions/allergies before term starts.
Cooking, outdoor trips, or other high-risk sessions require additional supervision and pre-approved risk forms.
EYFS Provision:
Children in Early Years classes are escorted by staff at all times.
Daily checks are carried out to ensure the environment is safe and child-friendly.
Age-appropriate ratios are upheld (e.g., 1:4 or 1:6 depending on activity).
Educational Visits:
For large events such as Chinese New Year at Manchester Central Library, separate risk assessments are completed and reviewed by the DSL and event coordinators.
Staff are briefed in advance, and safety ratios are maintained.
Emergency Procedures:
Fire drills are rehearsed termly.
Evacuation instructions are posted in every classroom.
First aid kits are accessible and regularly maintained.
Retention:
All risk assessments are securely stored for a minimum of 3 years.
Staff are notified of changes, and archived assessments are available for audit or inspection purposes.
Training:
All staff involved in supervision or coordination receive training in risk awareness and incident reporting.
Training is reviewed annually or when new risks are identified.