Health and Safety

Burwell House is a residential multi activity outdoor learning centre. Burwell House is owned and operated by Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC). 

Risk Management

At Burwell House we believe the benefits of outdoor learning and adventurous activities should be safe and accessible for everyone. Safe operation and well being of everyone who visits our site is therefore at the fore front of everything we do. Burwell House has policies and procedures for all operations on and offsite. Each activity has a risk and benefit analysis in place. Polices and procedures are updated whenever required, all documentation is annually reviewed. Please refer to our ‘Risk Management Summary’ which covers an overview of policies in place and licenses held.
Risk Management Summary (269 KB)

Learning Outside the Classroom accreditation for risk management and quality

Burwell House holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. This means that we have been inspected and continue to meet national standards.
www.lotc.org.uk/

Policies and Procedures 

Operational Procedures and Risk Assessments 

Operating procedures and risk assessments for our activities are inspected as part of both statutory and non-statutory licence and accreditation schemes. We follow the Health and Safety Policy of Cambridgeshire County Council, our employer. We work with our Health and Safety, Property and  Compliance to ensure that our operating procedures and risk assessments fulfil both statutory and non -statutory legislation, guidance and advice, and appropriate Council policies and guidance.

Fire Safety

Burwell House follows CCC protocols on fire safety with a fire risk assessment in place for all buildings. All participants on arrival have a full introduction as to what to do in case the fire alarm sounds and school visitors complete a fire drill on the first day of their visit. As a matter of policy if the fire alarm sounds, the Centre contacts the emergency services and a fire unit is dispatched to the site. 

Safeguarding

CCC has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need and to promote the upbringing of such children by their families. We comply with CCC policies including safer recruitment and disclosure and barring checks. We undertake training appropriate to roles in line with guidance from CCC.

Supervision arrangements for children and young people

Group leaders should ensure that any staff (teachers, leaders, governors, adult helpers) understand that their supervisory responsibilities for children and young people within their group remains with them for the duration of the visit, during all non-activity time, mealtimes and overnight.

Our staff are responsible for supervision throughout taught sessions. However to ensure both relevant educational links and to support appropriate risk management of the group during the session, client staff are expected to accompany groups whilst undertaking activities.

Shared responsibility for safety

All participants, including children and young people, have a responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. They are expected to follow safety instructions, act reasonably and behave appropriately relative to their age, and are encouraged to share any concerns or issues with either their or our staff, in confidence if necessary.

Transport

Burwell House operates a number of vehicles including minibuses. All operations comply with CCC driver guidance and protocols. Drivers hold appropriate licences, and where required undertake driver MiDAS. 

Food Safety

Burwell House has been inspected under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and holds the top 5-star (very good) rating.
https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-hygiene-rating-scheme

 Insurance

Burwell House, through CCC, holds Public Liability Insurance with a limit of indemnity of £35,000,000. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that they arrange appropriate travel or school journey insurance for any booking made with us.