Within the general policy laid down by Edinburgh City Council, the Education Department has prepared a series of statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act. School staff are fully instructed in their responsibilities in this respect and safety regulations apply to all aspects of school life both on and off the premises. It is expected that pupils will behave responsibly and comply with all safety requirements. The support of parents in promoting good practice in health and safety matters is of great importance to the school.
Health Care Plans
If your child uses an inhaler or needs to take medication regularly in school please let us know and we will issue you with a Health Care Plan form. This details the procedure and use of such medication within school time, and it must be completed by parents and discussed with school staff. Colinton, like most Edinburgh schools, has no member of staff with specific training in medical matters although all our learning assistants and nursery nurses are trained in first aid. If your child requires medication during the school day, please contact the office.
Medical Records
Medical records are kept in the medical room, in the charge of the School Doctor. When a child transfers from primary school, medical notes are sent on to the secondary school.
Fire Drills
Regular fire drills take place during the session in compliance with Council Guidelines and weekly fire alarm testing takes place on a Friday morning. Volunteers helping in school will be made aware of the relevant procedures.
Wet Weather
Parents are requested to bring their child to school as near to 8.50 am as possible on wet days. Pupils will be allowed into the school building before the bell on very wet days. If it is particularly wet or snowy, appropriate footwear should be worn to school and a change of shoes e.g. gym shoes should be available to change in to. Although children remain inside over break and lunch time if it is raining, please make sure that children are suitably clad for the weather as it is important for pupils to get fresh air every day.
Playground Supervision
When pupils are at school the responsibility for their safety rests with the Local Authority, and the Headteacher and staff undertake this responsibility on its behalf. Learning assistants have been appointed to look after the children during the break and lunch period. If an accident should occur they will report to a promoted member of staff for appropriate action to be taken.
Crossing Guides
Crossing guides are on duty at most of the major road crossings near the school as children arrive in the morning and go home in the afternoon. Please insist that your child uses them. The roads around the school are busy and dangerous during these times.
Parking
Please do not park or double park in the restricted yellow zig–zag areas around the school. They are there for the safety of your child. Outwith these areas, please park sensibly. A short walk is much preferable to a child being knocked down crossing between double parked cars. Please also respect our neighbours in the community and park thoughtfully.
Cycling
At Colinton we aim to encourage safe cycling and parent volunteers have provided cycle training for older children. Cycle racks are available for children wishing to cycle to and from school, who have taken part in Cycle Training and who agree to adopt our Safe Cycling Policy.
Outings
Before any outing you will receive a consent form. It is Council policy not to take children on outings unless a signed consent form has been returned. We also require at least two parent volunteers for each outing to take place.
