Health and Safety Policy

At Creative Writing Workshops, the health, safety and well-being of our participants is paramount. As a sole trader, Millie Stone is fully committed to providing a safe and supportive online learning environment for all creative writing classes, especially for young people under 18.

1. Statement of Intent

Creative Writing Workshops is committed to:

• Providing and maintaining a safe and healthy online learning environment.
• Preventing accidents, injuries and ill-health related to our online activities.
• Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and DofE guidelines.
• Continuously improving our health and safety performance.

2. Responsibilities

Millie Stone (Sole Trader & Designated Safeguarding Lead):

• Overall responsibility for the implementation and review of this Health and Safety Policy.
• Ensuring that all online activities are conducted safely.
• Conducting and reviewing risk assessments regularly.
• Providing clear guidelines and expectations to participants and parents/guardians regarding online safety and well-being.
• Responding promptly to any health and safety concerns or incidents.

Participants & Parents/Guardians:

• Participants are expected to follow all instructions and guidelines provided by Creative Writing Workshops regarding online safety and conduct.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their child has a safe and suitable environment in which to participate in online classes.
• Parents/guardians should report any health and safety concerns related to the online classes to Creative Writing Workshops immediately.

3. Online Health and Safety Measures

Given the nature of online teaching, our health and safety measures focus on the digital environment and participant well-being:

• Safeguarding: This policy works in conjunction with our comprehensive Safeguarding Policy, which details measures to protect young people from harm, abuse and inappropriate contact online.
• Secure Platforms: We utilise reputable and secure online platforms for our real-time classes, which incorporate features such as password protection, waiting rooms and controlled participant access.
• Communication Guidelines: Clear rules are established for all communication between participants and with the tutor, ensuring all interactions are appropriate and respectful.
• Cybersecurity: We maintain up-to-date antivirus software and secure internet connections. We advise participants and parents/guardians on general online safety practices.
• Appropriate Content: All creative writing prompts and materials are carefully selected to be age-appropriate and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of participants.
• Technical Issues: Procedures are in place for managing technical disruptions during live sessions, including attempts to reconnect, alternative communication methods (e.g., email to parents) and rescheduling if necessary.

4. Emergency Procedures

This policy is supported by our dedicated Emergency Procedure, which outlines steps to be taken in various online emergency scenarios, including safeguarding concerns, participant illness or significant technical failures.

5. Risk Assessment

Creative Writing Workshops commits to regularly conducting and reviewing risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement control measures to minimise risks. This includes specific assessments for online teaching environments. (Refer to the Risk Assessment Policy for details on the process).

6. Incident Reporting

Any health and safety incidents, concerns, or near misses should be reported immediately to Millie Stone at info@creativewritingworkshops.co.uk. All incidents will be recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence.

7. Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to operations, technology or relevant legislation.