Statement of Intent

 

Splatt Farm Gardens is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, staff, volunteers and visitors who take part in our activities.

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We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children and young people can explore, learn and develop through outdoor experiences. We aim to minimise risks while maintaining the benefits of nature-based learning, practical activities and exploration.

 

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our activities comply with relevant health and safety legislation, including the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

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Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Splatt Farm Gardens.

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Those responsible for activities will:

• Ensure activities are planned and delivered safely

• Carry out appropriate risk assessments for activities and the site

• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios are maintained

• Ensure equipment and tools are used safely and appropriately

• Maintain a safe learning environment for all participants

 

All staff and volunteers are expected to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others

• Follow safety procedures and guidance

• Report hazards, accidents or near misses

• Support children to use equipment and tools safely
   

Risk Assessment

 

Risk assessments are carried out for the site, activities and equipment. These are reviewed regularly and updated when activities change or new risks are identified.

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Children are encouraged to develop awareness of risk through supported exploration and learning how to manage challenges safely.

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Outdoor Learning & Forest School Activities

 

Outdoor environments naturally involve elements of risk. At Splatt Farm Gardens we aim to manage risk sensibly while allowing children to experience challenge, develop confidence and learn practical skills.

 

Activities such as tool use, fire lighting, cooking, knife/tool usage and woodland exploration are carefully supervised and introduced gradually with clear safety guidance.

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Safeguarding and Supervision

 

Appropriate staff-to-child ratios will be maintained during all activities. All adults working with children are expected to follow safeguarding procedures and act in the best interests of the children in their care.

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First Aid and Incident Reporting

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First aid equipment will be available on site and at activities where required. At least one trained first aider will be present during organised sessions.

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All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned and safety improved.

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Review

 

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for the scale and nature of activities at Splatt Farm Gardens.

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Last review: March 2026