Beating the Blues is an interactive, self-directed coaching package. Through weekly sessions at Employee Healthcare, the package teaches practical skills to help you feel better and stay better.
19/08/2010
The Health and Safety Executive has issued this safety alert for the attention of schools that use laptop computer charging trolleys and those who manufacture / supply such products. This is to raise awareness of the potential electrical dangers and the steps to take to protect staff and pupils.
19/08/2010
On 15th February, the STAR Project introduced a Crisis Worker Service, so anyone aged 14 and over who had been raped or sexually assaulted within the previous 7 days, could have access to a Forensic Medical Examination without making a formal police report.
18/06/2010
A new Health and Safety Executive Safety alert has been produced for people in commercial waste containers. This new guidance issued is to help those producing, storing or collecting commercial waste to eliminate or minimise the risks.
14/06/2010
The following Health and Safety Courses will be taking place in May at the Textile Centre, Red Doles Lane, Huddersfield:
- Essential Health and Safety – 4th May 2010
- Essential Health and Safety for Premises – 11th May 2010
- IOSH Managing Safely in Schools (Certificate) 14th and 20th May 2010
09/04/2010
A new piece of legislation called the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme is coming into force for the Council on 1st April 2010. Under this legislation, the Council has a legal obligation to account for all of its carbon emissions from building energy use including schools. It will become compulsory for the Council to ensure good carbon management practice and therefore we need to liaise closely with you to ensure the information we hold centrally is accurate. This will help us to identify where we are using too much energy and where we could save money.
04/03/2010
An incident involving the death of a nine-year old child has highlighted possible risks to pedestrians from using electrically powered gates.
02/03/2010
As from Monday, 22nd February Ian Kirby is relocating from Oldgate House and moving to Civic Centre 1. In addition Ian will no longer have a permanent land line. Please contact him on his mobile number as shown below or by e-mail
10/02/2010
We are running training sessions for a number of the activities at Fan Wood Scout Activity Campsite in Gomersal. All are welcome to come along the cost for these are set out below as well as dates and times.
26/01/2010
The 2008 edition of 'Safe Practice' contains everything you need to know about health and safety in physical education and school sport, and was distributed to schools and some childrens settings last year.
21/01/2010
Following notification to the Local Authority from a Kirklees school that the bag of grit they had purchased by them contained glass, could all schools, childrens settings etc please check the contents of any bags of grit for glass before use.
19/01/2010
Sir Roger has recommended that, for short term stays, there would be no requirement for host families to apply for ISA registration, as he regards such visits as a personal arrangement between the families concerned.
07/01/2010
The Speakeasy programme has been devised to enable practitioners to help parents and carers gain skills and confidence when talking to their children about relationship and sexual health issues.
16/12/2009
Following a degree of ambiguity from Snowsport England regarding the wearing of helmets, coupled with some countries introducing compulsory helmets for certain age groups, the position on the wearing of helmets has until now been confusing.
11/12/2009
Rinnai UK Ltd have written to all Local Authorities stating that there is a small risk of carbon monoxide leaks from Rinnai Energysaver Models RHFE-556T and RHFE-556FTRG Gas Air Warmers, (which use natural gas or LPG as fuel) which they believe may be installed in some premises, including schools.
01/12/2009
The Wellbeing in Yorkshire and Humber Programme is designed to provide practitioners with an opportunity to enhance their work in improving the health and wellbeing of the population and tackling health inequalities.
17/11/2009
The DCSF have published proposed new guidance to replace Health and Safety of Pupils On Educational Visits (HASPEV - 1998) and the three supplements, published in 2002.
13/11/2009
There is a revised EV1 approval form (EV1 (2009). The contents have been condensed so the form is now 4 pages long as opposed to 6 pages. The questions are the same, but have been formatted differently.
28/10/2009
As your new term begins, I thought it would be an appropriate time to provide you with the latest information with regard to swine flu.
30/09/2009
Further to the release of the latest guidance relating to swine flu, there has been an increase in the number of cases being reported nationally. For this reason, we are going to reinstate the daily reporting system for cases in our schools.
29/09/2009
I am sure you have all heard and/or read about the E. coli outbreak in Surrey. This type of incidence is extremely rare, but where it does occur it can be serious to young children and the elderly.
14/09/2009
The First Aid at Work qualification is changing from the 1st of October 2009.
07/09/2009
Please can we remind you of the importance of completing the IRO1 section stating: What action has been taken to prevent recurrence?
18/08/2009
Its important that the Local Authority are informed immediately if there has been an accident/incident involving Council employees and / or Kirklees children and young people whether on Council Premises (including schools) or on visits / off site.
18/08/2009
The Fire Fighters Charity and the Communities and Local Government Fire Kills Campaign have joined forces to encourage schools across England to work with their local fire and rescue service, and help launch a National Schools' Fire Safety Day on Wednesday 14 October 2009.
17/08/2009
Teachers are being urged to participate in the National Schools' Fire Safety Awareness Campaign.
11/08/2009
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says the new swine flu virus is highly contagious and is spreading from person to person in the same way as colds and flu.
07/07/2009
SunSmart is the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign. They provide information about skin cancer and sun protection for both the public and professionals.
02/07/2009
Revisions to advice within Guidance Note No 16, Children and Young People Service (ChYPS) "Guidelines on supporting children and young people with medical needs including managing medicines in schools and early years' setting"
16/06/2009
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) community education campaign aims to raise awareness of the number of accidents that tragically lead to serious injury or death of children and young people and how to prevent them. The theme for Child Safety Week 2009 is: "Safer together"
02/06/2009
With a number of families taking half-term holidays this week in Mexico and the USA, where there have been more cases of swine flu than in the UK, we have asked the Health Protection Agency for advice about children returning from these countries.
01/06/2009
As from 6 April 2009, the Health and Safety Executive is publishing new versions of its approved health and safety poster and leaflet.
15/05/2009
On Friday 1st May, a meeting was held with the chairs of the headteacher groups on preparing for Pandemic 'Flu. We reviewed the current preparations needed by schools and the guidance available. We have agreed that we will schedule a weekly meeting on Friday afternoons to ensure heads are aware of the latest developments and have an opportunity to share intelligence and discuss concerns from schools. We would also ask schools to share any information about 'flu from your school with Julie Bowdidge so that we can contribute to an informed and up to date picture of what is happening locally.
12/05/2009
Gas Safe Register is the new brand name for gas safety in Great Britain. Kirklees Building Services Gas Operatives are now gas safe registered and have been issued with the new ID card
02/04/2009
Earlier this month a day nursery were successfully prosecuted by the HSE in relation to an incident involving a four year old boy. The nursery undertook a trip to the local park when a small group was left unsupervised.
26/02/2009
Worried about Health and Safety in your school or just need to be brought up to date? There are now only limited places left on the IOSH (Institute of Safety and Health) Managing Safety course aimed at Schools.
23/02/2009
Schools which have oil storage must also have a plan in place to help them deal with any spillages or incidents. They may already have these at the school but there is some guidance on the EMAS manual
23/02/2009
The Health and Safety at Work Act and the Occupiers Liability Act place a responsibility on the employer and occupiers of premises, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the means of access and egress from its premises are maintained in a condition that is safe and without risk to either its employees or other persons.
04/02/2009
This is just a reminder that Schools and other ChYPS premises that are following the Council's policy of recycling waste paper into the large green storage bins outside buildings should take account of where they store these bins.
08/01/2009
At this time of year schools are preparing for the festive season including making decorations, practising for concerts etc. As these preparations fall outside the normal conditions found in schools there are a few important safety points to remember.
05/12/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) produce a monthly "Great health and safety myths". This month's is about wrapping children in cotton wool.
06/11/2008
In October Ofsted published a report on the impact of learning outside the classroom. At a recent conference the report's author, Robin Hammerton, made it clear that he approached the area of visits and outside learning with an open mind. As he visited schools across the country he was struck by the positive impact such activities have on learning outcomes across the curriculum and all abilities.
05/11/2008
The IR01 form within Guidance Note No 12 on page 10 that is used for recording major and minor incidents has been updated with new email addresses. Please use this form in future and destroy all other templates.
21/10/2008
This is essential training for all senior members of staff who oversee off-site visits and make decisions as to whether an educational visit runs or not and to ensure school's are compliant with government and LA guidance.
07/10/2008
The following is intended to cover the main general points of using naked flame equipment in school premises, it may also be prudent to carry out this procedure when the school assembly or other function is moved to other premises, church buildings etc especially when planning Christmas functions/ parties.
22/08/2008
We have received some information from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding step stools, manufactured by Twinco A/S (model number 6100) of Denmark, causing injury due to design/wear of snap fit clips.
19/08/2008
As from the 1st September, 2008 visits to theme parks will no longer require approval from me. This means that such trips need only to be approved within the school's internal systems. This includes Alton Towers, Flamingo Land and Lightwater Valley amongst others.
19/08/2008
There has been quite a bit of publicity recently in connection with Lyme Disease. Though relatively rare it is on the increase. It is a virus spread, in the main, by sheep and deer ticks.
19/08/2008
It appears that a new coach company has been contacting schools recently. This company, Sunny Travel, appear to be operating out of the same premises and under the same telephone number as Paul's Travel, who had their operator's licence revoked last September. We are strongly recommending that we do not use this company at the moment. I will contact schools and YPS if this advice changes.
19/08/2008
The theme this year is family safety: protect the one you love. Whether teaching pre-schoolers to 'hold hands' with mum or dad, or teaching teenagers the dangers of driving and the importance of looking after younger siblings, you can meet curriculum requirements and play a vital role in preventing a tragedy in your school, college, or nursery by taking part. Get planning today.
04/08/2008
The Environment Agency has produced an interactive website which aims to ensure that children have an understanding of water safety. It is aimed at the dangers associated with rivers and lakes and considers the dangers of locks, water temperature, banks etc.
13/06/2008
We've often heard of teachers, volunteers and carers being told to ask parents for permission, or even requiring parents to drive over and put the plaster on themselves. This persistent myth causes a lot of unnecessary hassle and worry.
02/06/2008
This conference is aimed at Head teachers and those interested in healthy eating. Kirklees Catering Service will be launching it's School Lunch web site on Wednesday 8th October 2008 at the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm.
19/05/2008
SunSmart is the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign. They provide information about skin cancer and sun protection for both the public and professionals.
09/05/2008
You will be aware that the LA reviewed and disseminated the LA "Guidelines on supporting children and young people with medical needs, including managing medicines in schools and early years' settings" last year.
10/01/2008
The brochure from this company may now be arriving in schools. Approval of ski tours with this company has proved problematic in the past, and schools are advised not to confirm bookings with them without prior discussions with Ian Kirby. Please pass this information to anyone who organises ski trips in your school.
21/12/2007
West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit is aware of an increase in the number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting across the county in recent weeks. If you have an increased number of children or staff off sick from school please inform us on telephone no. 0113 2840606
29/11/2007
Hopefully your School should have received a letter from the School Food Trust asking you to sign up to the Million Meals Campaign. On behalf of the Catering Service provided in your School I think it would be very beneficial to sign up to this Campaign.
07/11/2007
A new British Standard BS 4163:2007 has been published which replaces the existing 2000 version. It is applicable to all schools but has particular relevance to Secondary, Middle and some Special schools.
06/11/2007
The Firework Code is there to help adults and young people have a safe and happy bonfire night.
17/10/2007
Are you ready to respond to any potential hazard/emergency in and about the school site?
01/10/2007
This power point presentation is from the "Head teachers induction course" which is run once a year for head teachers and newly appointed head teachers.
31/07/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is advising organisers of youth activities and swimming pool operators to review their procedures to ensure the safety of participants at swimming events during the forthcoming school holidays.
19/07/2007
This guidance defines Kirklees ChYPS policy for supporting children and young people (in all settings) with medical conditions. It must be read in conjunction with DfES guidance issued separately to all schools. It replaces the previous document "Medication in Schools".
15/06/2007
Smoking will not be allowed in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces, public vehicles and work vehicles. The legislation is in line with the Council's current Smoking Policy and employees are reminded that smoking will not be permitted in all Local Authority buildings and work vehicles.
11/06/2007
If you take groups abroad please take time to read the news report below.
08/06/2007
This booklet has only just come to our attention and some schools may find it useful . It is published by the The National Autistic Society:
03/04/2007
The situation at Vertical Chill has now been resolved. Groups are free to use all the facilities including climbing and ice climbing
03/04/2007
Do you have a responsibility for dealing with emergencies in your school? If so, you are invited to attend a FREE training event to learn more about emergency and business continuity planning for your school:
20/03/2007
We have recently been advised by CLEAPSS (a consortium of local authorities for the support of practical science and technology) of a very serious accident in an art lesson in another authority.
15/03/2007
Prevent the spread of infections by ensuring: routine immunisation, high standards of personal hygiene and practice, particularly hand washing, and maintaining a clean environment.
15/02/2007
The briefing note/ information is aimed at Head Teachers, Governors and proprietors of Kirklees Schools and is based on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advice and guidance.
13/02/2007
The issue with the parental release form has now been resolved and schools should feel free to go ahead and use the facility.
16/01/2007
The Guidance on Swimming as Part of Extra-Curricula Activities is an important document intended for schools who wish to undertake swimming as part of an educational visit. It includes advice on hiring pools for exclusive use as well as use of pools in hotels.
11/12/2006
Following hot on the heels of the launch of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto last Tuesday, was the announcement by the Dept for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the Year of Food and Farming.
04/12/2006
At this time of year schools are preparing for the festive season including making decorations, practising for concerts etc. As these preparations fall outside the normal conditions found in schools there are a few important safety points to remember
17/11/2006
Fireworks are a traditional part of celebrations such as bonfire night or New Year but they are the cause of many hundreds of serious accidents every year. The Government's fireworks safety campaign published by the DTI provides downloadable guidance leaflets and materials for schools including the firework safety code.
26/10/2006
A Ski Course Organiser (SCO) training has been arranged for Monday 27th November in Beverley, East Yorkshire. The cost is £75 and will run from 9.30 to 16.30.
16/10/2006
The Health and Safety Executive's statistics suggest that slips and trips are a major cause of accidents to education employees, pupils/students and others.
26/09/2006
Launch of the Health and Safety Executive's 'Don't take the gamble with asbestos' campaign which will take place from September to October 2006.
26/09/2006
I hope the information regarding the new regulations on transporting children proves useful. I have also updated the example letter for transporting children in Example Letters.
11/09/2006
A one day course - October 4th
If anyone is considering planning an overseas expedition in the future then this course is an invaluable introduction to what should be considered including keeping costs down, grants and risk assessments.
06/09/2006
Following feedback from the Essential Health and Safety courses run last year, more in depth training is being offered to Schools and others with Health and Safety roles.
04/09/2006
Following a number of very successful and positive courses which ran last year, we are pleased to offer more half day briefings/training courses for Headteachers and other Managers in the Children and Young People Service to bring then up to date with what they should do to manage health and safety effectively.
04/09/2006
Opening or closing doors - the hinge of a door can exert 32,000Ibs per square inch of pressure on an innocent child's fingers
07/07/2006
It is with some regret I have to inform you that the situation regarding school staff and the driving of minibuses remains unchanged
03/07/2006
schools and others (nurseries, etc) must risk assess their activities based around this guidance e.g. sports days, curricular sports and other off site activities, playtimes etc etc
03/07/2006
During the last two weeks of the summer term there will be tasting sessions in schools over the lunch time to allow your children to try some of the new dishes which will be put on the new menu for the AUTUMN Term.
29/06/2006
A reminder to all group leaders that they should include sun protection, by way of clothing, hats, and sunscreen in their arrangements, and make a note on their risk assessment
13/06/2006
The courses below are aimed at school staff to promote good practice and to increase the confidence of teachers in taking pupils to such localities.
13/06/2006
++ Have you visited Fallington? ++ Take a walk along our virtual street, spot the risky work activities and find how to do them safely.
13/06/2006
The ASCL is a qualification which allows leaders to lead groups outside of ski-school hours. It does not cater for off-piste skiing which is not permitted under Kirklees guidance.
19/05/2006
Following a recent situation, in another LEA, I would like to draw your attention to the following: Headteachers, EVCs, Group Leaders, and supporting adults MUST ensure the supervision arrangements for pupils taking part in such activities
19/05/2006
Falls are the biggest cause of deaths in Britain's workplaces. 53 people died in 2004/5. On top of this, nearly 3,800 suffered major injury such as broken bones or fractured skulls. You don't have to fall far to be hurt, 7 deaths and 2247 major injuries were from a fall from below head height.
12/05/2006
Please be aware that coastal erosion on the east coast is severe. The area around Flambourough Head is particularly prone and several footpath diversions are in place. Again, the coastguard will provide up to date advice.
10/05/2006
Every year it seems that a group visiting the east coast gets into difficulty with the tide, particularly at Filey.
10/05/2006
Following feedback from the Essential Health and Safety courses run last year, more in depth training is being offered to Schools and others with Health and Safety roles.
10/05/2006
Following a number of very successful and positive courses which ran last year, we are pleased to offer more half day briefings/training courses for Headteachers and other Managers in the Children and Young People Service
10/05/2006
NFER has been commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills, in collaboration with the Countryside Agency and Farming and Countryside Education, to undertake research which aims to obtain a greater understanding of education outside the classroom, in terms of the extent and nature of provision across curriculum areas, across schools and across local authorities
12/04/2006
The Meteorological Office have decided to place mountain forecasts on their website and make them available free of charge. Except for the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia they have only been available via premium rate phonecall/fax.
10/04/2006
Following a number of very successful and positive courses which ran last year, we are pleased to offer more half day briefings/training courses for Headteachers and other Managers in the Children and Young People Service to bring then up to date with what they should do to manage health and safety effectively.
09/04/2006
Following a number of very successful and positive courses which ran last year, we are pleased to offer more half day briefings/training courses for Headteachers and other Managers in the Children and Young People Service to bring then up to date with what they should do to manage health and safety effectively.
09/04/2006
The National Trust have published a report into the impact of school trips and the very positive way they affect children's lives.
06/02/2006
New courses for Educational Visits have been added.
31/01/2006
You will no doubt be aware that just before Christmas a young child in a Kirklees school died. This is currently being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive to determine the cause of this tragedy. It is known that the child suffered from a number of allergies. Whilst this may or may not be linked to the death, it is important that all schools review the procedures of identifying pupils who have allergies/special diets as a matter of urgency and ensure that the Catering Service is notified.
03/01/2006
A reminder to headteachers of important training for any members of staff who run visits. In light of the latest guidance from the DfES on the possible role of support staff in planning and running visits it may be useful to consider including support staff in any training.
10/10/2005
Feedback from Headteachers who have attended the courses has been very positive. The next dates available are 19 October..
06/10/2005
This is an essential half - day Health and safety briefing /training for Headteachers and other managers in the Education Service to bring them up to date with what thay should do to manage health and safety effectively .
14/09/2005
The company IDS are piloting a new security system for the north of England in Kirklees, called Spider Alert. National statistics shows that a teacher is attacked every 7 minutes in the UK. This system allows teachers and bullied pupils to be able to activate a pendant fob or other carried devices to request assistance.
20/01/2005
Some schools have received bomb threats recently and it has been pointed out that some new heads may not be aware of our guidance or where to go for help in such circumstances.
11/01/2005
At this time of year, schools are preparing for the festive season by making decorations and practising for concerts and plays. However, there are potential dangers in these activities and you should note the following important safety points
06/12/2004
No better illustration of the dangers of storing flammable material in a stair well is needed than the tale of the outbreak of fire at Moorside High School, Swinton, during July 2002.
11/08/2004
PC Chris Green the Police Crime Reduction Officer is asking all schools to look towards their security especially if there are overhead projectors housed within the school. There have been a number of schools targeted in the last month across South Kirklees that have been burgled specifically for ceiling mounted computer projectors. These items are not cheap but are easily disconnected and removed.
27/04/2004