RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

August 10, 2004
RoSPA ON COURSE FOR TEACHER RISK ASSESMENT AWARENESS

A survey by RoSPA has revealed that over 95 per cent of new teachers have not undergone risk assessment training and were unaware of the need for conducting risk assessments in and outside the classroom.

A further 74 per cent of respondents to the questionnaire had not received any health and safety training as part of their induction to a school.

The news comes at a time when there is growing concern about safety on school trips. RoSPA wants to see wider use of a module developed to help tackle the problem among teachers on initial teacher training programmes.

Juliet Barratt, RoSPA Head of Safety Education, said: “It is concerning to know that teachers are being involved with and going on school trips and educational visits without having an understanding of the risk assessment needed for a particular activity.

“High-profile media coverage has shown that some teachers are still taking unnecessary risks when escorting students on trips. They need to know if they are suitably equipped with the skills needed to identify and respond to risks before they go ahead with certain activities.

“It is crucial that all teachers are aware of hazards and risks on an everyday basis, and are confident in their knowledge of risk management to ensure the health and safety of the young people they are working with.”

As a result of the findings, RoSPA with support from the Health and Safety Executive has developed a module for the School of Education at the University of Central England, Birmingham. This helps make new teachers aware of the importance and understanding of managing risk in schools and on school visits.

The module has been completed by over 200 new teachers since the start of the academic year. Feedback from those who have completed the course showed that 83 per cent considered the module to be beneficial. They cited the involvement with children and risk assessment exercises, along with information and guidance from the Department for Education and Skills, as some of the most useful parts of the session.

RoSPA would like to see more research carried out into the success of this pilot scheme and eventually for the programme to be rolled out nationally, so that all teachers can benefit from the information.