In response the recent H.M.I. report,
I thought it may be worthwhile reminding staff of a few safety
points to consider in Physical Activity Sessions. These are outlined
below. I would also like to reiterate that, as far as I am concerned,
there is not a safety problem in P.E. at our school, and that
as far as I am aware, all of the following points are regularly
adhered to.
Clothing
* All children should change into appropriate P.E. kit.
* All jewellery should be removed including watches.
* Long trousers should not be permitted for apparatus work.
* Shorts, rather than skirts should be worn for apparatus work.
* Shirts should be tucked in, not loose, for apparatus work.
* Gymnastics / Dance work should be undertaken in bare feet.
* Where medical reasons dictate that footwear has to be worn for apparatus work, trainers should not be permitted. Soft soled plimsolls should be worn in these cases.
* Long hair should be tied back for
Gymnastics, especially when using apparatus.
Behaviour
* Insist on a quiet working atmosphere so that your instructions can be heard.
* Children should not run in the Gym when the apparatus is out.
* Ensure that children do not use equipment
/ apparatus until you have told them to do so.
Apparatus
* Instruct your class on how to set up the apparatus correctly.
* Check the apparatus carefully before the children use it.
* Report any faults to the Physical Activities Co-ordinator.
* Do not try and cover the entire floor space with mats. Mats should be used at exit / jumping points from apparatus or under bars.
* Do not use mats as crash mats.
* Position yourself where you have maximum awareness of all children.
* Ensure that all mats / attachments are carried by at least 2 children - one at each end.
* Teach children to lift correctly with straight backs and bent knees.
* Teach children to treat apparatus with respect.
* Do not play games such as "Pirates" - apparatus should be used for disciplined gymnastic work - the Gym is not a playground.
* Ensure that apparatus is not set out too close to walls, obstacles, other apparatus.
* Ensure that all apparatus is stored
correctly at the end of each session.
Other indoor work
* Check that the gym floor is clean. Loose dirt can make the specialist flooring excessively slippery.
* Avoid activities that demand the children to run towards the gym walls.
* Engage the children in suitable warm up exercises before every Physical Activities session. (Indoor and out).
* Check that all returned equipment is safely stored in the Gym store, in the correct place.
* Do not allow children to enter the Gym until you are ready to supervise them - they should line up in an orderly position.
* Do not give permission for groups
of children to undertake unsupervised activities at breaktimes
/ lunchtimes.
Outdoor work.
* Ensure that you supervise the collection and return of equipment from the outside Games store.
* Ensure that children wearing boots with studs exercise care when walking round to the field / changing rooms.
* Teach the safe handling of hockey sticks at an early stage of any series of hockey lessons.
* Remove any stones, glass or other debris that may prove dangerous from the playing area.
* Familiarise yourself with any activity
specific safety rules / considerations. Consult the Physical Activities
Co-ordinator if in doubt.
Swimming
* Ensure that children behave sensibly and remain seated on the coach whilst being transported to the swimming baths.
* No jewellery should be worn.
* Swimming goggles are not permitted unless a doctors note deems them necessary.
* The wearing of named swimming hats should be encouraged.
* A verrucae sock should be worn by children with verrucae.
* Children should not run by the poolside.
* Children should not be permitted to jump into the pool, but should enter using the steps whilst facing towards the side.
* All children and staff should be familiar
with the pools own emergency procedure.
Changing Rooms
* Children should be supervised when taking showers.
* Insist that children change quickly, quietly and sensibly.
* Be vigilant to prevent the mis-use
of aerosol deodorant sprays.
General
* Never leave children unsupervised.
* Ensure that any accidents are reported according to agreed procedures.
* If medical help is needed, stay with the injured child.
* Do not allow any child to behave in a way that may endanger him / herself or others.
* Ensure that you are aware of any medical
conditions that may restrict a child's performance, and be vigilant
for any signs of distress during vigorous activity.
The keyword to safety in Physical Activities
is ANTICIPATION, and I hope that the above list may prove to be
a useful aid to this. It should be pointed out then even the most
experienced P.E. teacher will probably have injuries from time
to time to children under his or her supervision. However, as
B.A.A.L.P.E. (British Association of Advisers and Lecturers in
Physical Education) point out:
" Accidents that do happen should
have been unforeseeable ".
They also state that:
"Good vigorous work will not be
completely without risk but it should be without unnecessary dangers.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this
document, I am confident that any instances of unsafe practices
in P.E. at Mereway Middle School were isolated ones. However,
should you require any clarification or advice please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Chris Robinson.
(Physical Activities Co-ordinator)