Gypsy Wood

Health and Safety on Visits

Everything in this world is covered in bugs.  Our environment can be a particularly risky place, but no more so than your local park. The risks can be minimised by washing your hands thoroughly before putting your hands anywhere near your mouth and making sure those in your care do so too.

As an extra precaution, we provide antibacterial soap and disposable hand towels at our hand washing station in the park and in the toilets. Park staff are trained in first aid. The first aid point is located at reception.

Enjoy your visit and make sure you wash your hands! Please remember these few simple rules:

• Everyone should wash their hands before putting them near their mouth.
• Do not drop litter around the park, as not only does it make the park look untidy but it may also harm an animal who may think it is a tasty meal. 
• Children should be supervised at all times. Please bring adequate adult helpers.
• No one should be allowed to harm the animals. Please prevent chasing, throwing, shouting, etc. and report any incidents to a member of staff immediately.
• Wear strong shoes/trainers, not open-toed sandals.
• Covers all cuts and grazes before visiting the park.
• Be aware that children who suffer asthma/hay fever may experience difficulties.
• Be aware that pregnant women should not come into contact with sheep at lambing time, due to the risk of Toxoplasmosis.

The Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have released an information sheet, 'Avoiding ill health at open farms - advice to teachers' 
(http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais23.pdf  )

Health & Safety Statement

Risk Assessment
The park's facilities comply with Health and Safety Regulations and are regularly checked by the relevant agencies. The health and safety of our employees and visitors are our most important priority. Risks created by the park environment are assessed by way of regular Risk Assessments, which are available at the park for inspection. Although our record and reputation with regards to Health and Safety is excellent we recommend that schools perform their own risk assessments prior to visiting the park. We allow a free pre-visit to accommodate for this. 

Fire Checks
Fire Checks are carried out prior to the commencement of each open season. Emergency Fire Procedure instructions and numerous health and safety notices (on red and white signs) are posted clearly around the park.

Park Policies
The park's policies on staff recruitment, training, development and assessment can be viewed on request. The chain of management and accountabilities can be viewed on request.

First Aid
First Aid facilities are available at the park but schools and groups should bring their own medical kit. Children should always be told to wash their hands after touching the animals, animals feedstuffs, soil, compost or open water. Any cuts or abrasions to the skin should be kept covered. It is a good idea to check that each member of your class has had an up to date tetanus vaccination.

Public Liability Insurance
The park is covered by Public Liability Insurance for which the Certificate is available for inspection.

Please Note: The park provides disabled toilet facilities.

Downloads for Teachers / Group Leaders

• Risk Assessment (Group/School Visits)
• Access Statement
• Be Prepared! 

 

 

XHTML | CSS | © Gypsy Wood 2005-7 | About Us | Links | Livetech