Art & Design Health & Safety Policy (Secondary & Sixth Form)
Department: Art & Design – Art Barn Studios
School: Samuel Ward Academy (Unity Schools Partnership, Suffolk)
Applies to: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Post‑16 (Sixth Form)
Review cycle: Annual or following significant curriculum / equipment change
1. Purpose and Context (Ofsted Deep Dive Alignment)
This policy sets out the health and safety expectations and procedures for Art & Design teaching and learning within the Art Barn at Samuel Ward Academy. It supports a safe, inclusive, and ambitious curriculum, fully aligned with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its focus on Intent, Implementation, and Impact.
Health and safety is embedded as part of high‑quality curriculum delivery. Safe practice enables students to develop independence, technical competence, and professional working habits expected at GCSE, A‑Level, and beyond.
2. Statutory and Governmental Framework (UK)
This policy is written in accordance with UK statutory requirements and Department for Education guidance.
Core Government Guidance (Statutory / Expected)

• Health and safety: advice for schools (DfE)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-and-safety-advice-for-schools

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (current edition)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Education guidance
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/education/

Key Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

3. Professional and Specialist Guidance

• CLEAPSS (member schools): specialist model risk assessments and safety guidance for Art & Design processes
  https://www.cleapss.org.uk

• National Society for Education in Art & Design (NSEAD)
  https://www.nsead.org

• Suffolk Local Authority / Unity Schools Partnership guidance followed where applicable through Trust health & safety policies.

4. Roles and Responsibilities
Trust / Employer (Unity Schools Partnership)

• Ensures statutory compliance with health and safety legislation

• Provides training, resources, and safe premises

Headteacher / Senior Leadership Team

• Oversight of implementation and monitoring

• Ensures Art & Design provision meets statutory expectations

Subject Leader – Art & Design

• Maintains and reviews departmental risk assessments

• Ensures safe practice is embedded within curriculum planning

• Prepares evidence for Ofsted Deep Dive inspection

Teachers and Technicians

• Apply and explain risk assessments during lessons

• Supervise students appropriately for age and activity

• Maintain safe storage and preparation of materials

• Report hazards, defects, and incidents promptly

Students

• Follow all safety instructions and studio expectations

• Use tools and materials responsibly

• Wear PPE as directed

5. Risk Assessment (Ofsted Implementation Evidence)

• All practical activities are supported by written risk assessments

• Risk assessments are reviewed annually or when practice changes

• COSHH assessments are completed for hazardous substances

• Risk assessments are accessible to staff and referenced in lesson planning

Risk assessments identify:

• hazards

• persons at risk

• control measures

• residual risk

6. Art Barn Studio Environment
General Studio Safety

• Clear walkways and exits at all times

• Bags and coats stored away from work areas

• Good lighting and ventilation maintained

• Surfaces cleaned regularly

Fire Safety

• Fire exits clearly signed and unobstructed

• Flammable materials stored correctly

• Staff and students aware of evacuation procedures

7. Materials, Processes, and Equipment
Drawing and Painting

• Non‑toxic materials used wherever possible

• Fixatives and sprays used only in ventilated areas

• Secure storage of solvents

Printmaking (Non‑acid based)

• Careful supervision of sharp tools (e.g. lino cutters)

• Bench hooks and cutting guards used

• Blades issued and collected by staff where appropriate

Sculpture and Construction (Non‑pottery)

• Safe handling of materials such as card, wood, wire, plaster‑based products

• Dust control measures in place

• No kiln or pottery processes are undertaken at Art Barn

Textiles

• Supervised use of sewing machines and irons

• Safe storage of needles and pins

• Electrical equipment PAT tested

Photography and Digital Media

• Electrical safety for lighting and equipment

• Trip hazards from cables managed

• Online safety and image consent followed

8. Tools and Work Equipment (PUWER)

• Tools are age‑appropriate and fit for purpose

• Demonstrations provided before use

• Faulty equipment removed immediately

• Secure storage of sharp or specialist tools

9. Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all relevant substances

• All containers clearly labelled

• Hazardous substances stored securely

• No decanting into unlabelled containers

COSHH guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is used where risk cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
Examples include:

• aprons or overalls

• gloves

• eye protection

• dust masks or respiratory protection where required

11. Hygiene and Welfare

• No eating or drinking in studios

• Hands washed after practical activities

• Cuts covered with waterproof dressings

• Eye wash available where chemicals are used

12. Accidents, Incidents, and RIDDOR

• All accidents recorded using school systems

• Serious incidents reported under RIDDOR where required

• Risk assessments reviewed following incidents

RIDDOR guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/
13. Inclusion and SEND

• Reasonable adjustments made to ensure safe participation

• Individual risk assessments completed where necessary

• Clear visual instructions and structured routines provided

14. Training, Monitoring, and Review

• Staff receive regular health & safety CPD

• Students receive induction safety briefings

• Annual review of this policy and all associated risk assessments

15. Statement of Safe Practice
At Samuel Ward Academy Art Barn, health and safety underpins creative excellence. Safe, well‑managed studios enable ambition, independence, and high‑quality outcomes, supporting both academic success and lifelong creative practice.
This policy should be read alongside Trust Health & Safety policies and displayed or made available in all Art Barn teaching and preparation areas.