Health & Safety Policy

 

Learning Barn on Manor Farm / Manor Farm

 

Experiences

 

1. Statement of Intent

At Learning Barn on Manor Farm, we are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and secure

environment for all children, young people, staff, volunteers, visitors, and animals attending

the setting.

We recognise that our provision operates within a working farm and animal-based

environment and therefore involves additional risks which must be carefully managed. We

aim to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable through effective supervision, clear

procedures, staff training, appropriate risk assessments, and safe working practices.

 

2. Responsibilities

Caroline Thomas is responsible for the overall implementation of this policy, ensuring risk

assessments are completed and reviewed, monitoring site safety, maintaining accident

records, overseeing fire safety procedures, and ensuring appropriate supervision.

All staff and volunteers must follow safety procedures, report hazards immediately,

supervise children appropriately, and use equipment safely.

 

3. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are completed and regularly reviewed for animal handling, feeding

activities, outdoor learning, fire risks, slips and trips, pony activities, allergies, weather

conditions, and other relevant activities. Dynamic risk assessments are also carried out

during sessions where conditions change.

 

4. Supervision

Children are supervised at all times. Group sizes are kept small and appropriate to the

needs of the children attending. Higher-risk activities receive increased supervision.

 

5. Animal Safety & Welfare

Animals are central to the provision and their welfare is prioritised at all times. Children are

taught safe and respectful handling procedures and all animal interactions are supervised.

 

Children must wash hands after animal contact and may not enter animal enclosures

without permission.

 

6. Hygiene & Infection Control

The setting follows appropriate hygiene procedures including handwashing after animal

contact, cleaning shared equipment, safe food storage, and safe disposal of animal waste.

 

7. Fire Safety

The setting maintains appropriate fire safety arrangements including fire extinguishers,

evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency procedures.

Smoking and vaping are prohibited within learning and animal areas.

 

8. First Aid & Accidents

A stocked first aid kit is available on site. All accidents and incidents are recorded and

parents/carers informed where appropriate.

 

9. Medication

Medication will only be administered with written parental consent and in accordance with

agreed procedures. Emergency medication must remain accessible.

 

10. Site Safety

The farm environment includes natural hazards such as uneven ground, mud, gates, fencing,

and farm equipment. Children are not permitted to access restricted areas or machinery.

 

11. Weather & Outdoor Safety

Sessions may be adapted or cancelled during severe weather conditions. Parents/carers are

expected to provide suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

 

12. Behaviour & Unsafe Conduct

Unsafe behaviour is addressed immediately. This includes rough handling of animals,

climbing fences, running in animal areas, and ignoring safety instructions.

 

13. Safeguarding Link

This policy should be read alongside the setting’s other policies.

 

14. Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following significant incidents, site changes, or updates

to guidance.

 

Last updated: 12/5/26

Next update: 12/5/27