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Unread 05-15-2013, 08:53 PM
stonenat stonenat is offline
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Hi honey here you go...........

Describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services.

Every child has a right to feel safe, secure and protected from harm. One of the main responsibilities as a learning support practitioner is to help those pupils with whom we work with accomplish this. When we are planning and preparing the learning environment we must always take into account the safety, hygiene, comfort and security of those pupils who will be using it.

A learning environment can be any area, inside or outside the school setting which is used for learning and teaching. For example, a learning environment may be:

* a general teaching area such as a classroom or the school hall
* a specialist teaching area such as those set up for science, art, food technology or P.E.
* an outside area such as a playground or sports field

All children and young people should be given equal opportunities and this needs to be remembered in the learning environment. All pupils, including those with special needs, need to be considered when planning the learning environment. The environment may need to be changed or adapted for the needs of particular children.

Factors to be considered for indoor environments include:
* Space – is there enough space or room for the pupils to achieve what they should, does furniture need moving if perhaps the class were having circle-time
* Accessibility – if a pupil is in a wheelchair they need to have as much access to the classroom facilities as others. Furniture and resources may need to be moved.
* Light – may need to be adjusted accordingly if a child or young person is visually impaired
* Sound – some pupils may be sensitive to sound, for example, a child on the autistic spectrum. It may not always be possible for noises to be avoided however as a learning support practitioner we need to be aware of the effect they can have on pupils

Whilst outdoors we would need to consider:
* Space – is there enough space or room for the pupils to achieve what they should, if the playground in the reception area was too small for the use of equipment (the parachute for example) then we would need to move to the main playground
* Weather – does the weather permit us to carry out an activity, the playground may not be open if it was too icy or if it was covered with snow
* Security – is the outdoor environment safe, could pupils wander off, are there enough adults supervising the pupils, it the area safe for the activity
* Appropriate clothing – the pupils may need different clothing for an activity, wellies if they are gardening or sunhats when outside in summer
* Cleanliness – is the area clean, is it free of litter and animal excreta

All equipment, resources and materials must be used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the guidelines stated in the school’s Health and Safety policy. We need to be familiar with this policy and assist the teacher in making sure it is implemented at all times. In addition, when supporting pupils in the use of materials, resources and equipment we should:

* ensure the learning environment is safe and free of hazards during practical activities
* ensure equipment and materials are used in such a way as to support the pupils learning needs
* ensure that the equipment in use is suitable for the age needs and abilities of the children using it
* ensure that the manufacturer’s guidelines are adhered to
* ensure equipment, resources and materials are stored in a safe manner when not in use

Any potential hazards in the setting must be dealt with promptly, according to the school’s written procedures or brought to the attention of the relevant member of staff. All employers, whatever the setting or size of the school, must:
* make the workplace safe
* prevent risks to health
* make sure ventilation, temperature, lighting and toilet and washing facilities all meet health, safety and welfare requirements
* ensure all resources are safe to use, and that safe working practices are set up and followed
* make sure all materials are handled, stored and used safely
* provide adequate first aid facilities
* take precautions against the risks caused by flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise and radiation
* give the employee information, instructions, training and supervision as needed
* report certain injuries, accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences to either the HSE or the local authority

Hoe this helps....any other queries let me know xxxxxx


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CYP 3.4 health and safety level 3

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