HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Introduction

Leigh Cookery School is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all participants, including clients and staff. This policy outlines our approach to maintaining a safe and healthy environment during our in-person cooking classes.

Responsibilities

Management: Responsible for implementing and maintaining all health and safety measures, including regular policy reviews and updates to sustain a safe learning environment.
Staff: Required to follow all health and safety guidelines, report any concerns, and maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment.
Clients: Expected to adhere to all health and safety instructions provided, report any issues to staff, and comply with hygiene and safety protocols. Failure to follow safety instructions or to disclose pertinent health information may result in removal from the class without a refund.

Kitchen and Food Safety

Hygiene Standards: All cooking areas and equipment are sanitised before and after each class. Participants are required to wash their hands thoroughly before handling food.
Allergen Awareness: Clients must complete an allergen questionnaire at the time of booking. While efforts are made to minimise risk, Leigh Cookery School is not liable for unreported dietary restrictions, and clients are responsible for managing their own health needs.
Protective Clothing: Clients and staff are encouraged to wear aprons and any necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while in the kitchen to maintain hygiene and safety.

Safeguarding

Child Safety: All staff working with children must undergo Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Baring Service) background checks and adhere to safeguarding protocols. Any concerns regarding a client’s welfare will be reported to management in writing.
Behaviour Management: Clear behavioural guidelines will be established and enforced to create a positive and safe learning environment. Failure to follow these may result in removal without a refund.

Health and Safety During Classes

Equipment Safety: Equipment will be regularly checked for safe operation. Clients will receive instructions on the safe handling of potentially hazardous tools and appliances, including knives and hot surfaces. Leigh Cookery School is not responsible for injuries resulting from non-compliance with these instructions.
First Aid: First aid supplies are readily accessible, and a staff member trained in basic first aid will be present during all classes.

Health and Well-being

Breaks: Regular breaks will be encouraged in longer sessions to prevent fatigue.
Hydration: Participants are encouraged to stay hydrated and may bring water bottles or use available facilities.

Emergency Procedures

Incident Reporting: Health and safety incidents must be reported immediately to staff. An incident report will be completed, and appropriate action will be taken.
Emergency Contacts: Emergency contact information for all clients will be maintained for safety purposes.

Review and Monitoring

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually or as necessary to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
Feedback: Client feedback is encouraged to support continuous improvement in health and safety practices.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns about this Health and Safety Policy, please contact us at leighcookeryschool@gmail.com.