A Sample of New Additions to the Handsam Library

New and Updated Quick Guides and Policies

Handsam would like to make you aware of the new or updated Quick Guides you can now access through our Quick Guide Library. We respond to the needs of our customers, through safety issues we encounter on audits or direct requests for content on particular subjects when expanding our resources. This allows us to continue to grow our library around the direct compliance needs of our clients.

PLEASE NOTE THAT POLICIES ARE NOT A PART OF THE "QUICK GUIDES" PACKAGE AND UNLESS THEY ARE COVERED IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, THEY MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY.

For more information, contact us on 03332 070737 or email info@handsam.co.uk to find out more.

UPDATED: S06 SECURITY ASSESSMENT: AUDIT

This form is to be used by governors and staff for maintaining security. A formal assessment will be made once per term by heads of departments, site supervisors and the health and safety committee. The Governing Body will carry out an assessment and review once per year.

NEW: S15 INVACUATION PROCEDURE

Schools and academy’s must recognise that, as part of its emergency procedures, a clear plan is necessary to address and manage threats to students and staff that may occur within the building or on the grounds.

This document provides the institution’s response framework for such emergencies, while acknowledging that it is not possible to account for every potential threat or scenario.

Find out more about our Quick Guides and Policies

The Handsam Quick Guides Library contains over 900 documents with all the relevant information, exemplars, checklists and guidance notes you need to ensure you're up to date, including all the DfE, HSE and other formal resources all in one place. It's unique!

Handsam also offers various different policies packages, including providing you with easy-to-use templates for you to tailor yourselves, reviewing your existing policies, or working with you to deliver fully bespoke policies for your school, college or MAT.

If you're not a Handsam client, or you don't buy our Quick Guides or one of our Policies packages, please contact us to discuss how we can help to keep your organisation compliant.

As long as there exists a threat of bomb attacks by extremist organisations or individuals, it is essential that a high level of security be maintained at educational institutions to reduce risks. It is therefore necessary that everyone is aware of the risks, the measures that can reduce them and the action to be taken in the event of an alarm. No one should feel that they are being alarmist in calling attention to anything that they regard as suspicious.

NEW: S14 MARTYN’S LAW: WHAT SCHOOLS NEED TO KNOW

UPDATED: S12 BOMB THREAT PROCEDURE

Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was enacted to strengthen security in public premises and events, particularly in light of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. This legislation, named in memory of victim Martyn Hett, places a legal duty on certain venues and event organizers to take steps to reduce the risk of harm from terrorist attacks. The law aims to improve security preparedness across the UK, with different requirements based on the size and type of venue.

NEW: S16 MARTYN'S LAW: COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

This checklist can be used with S14 to ensure that schools are compliant with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

UPDATED: RAS68 RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE: SCHOOL SWIMMING

This document deals with managing risks specific to swimming pools. Risk assessment is central to the effective management of health and safety. It is the duty of pool operators and teaching staff who supervise students, to ensure risks are adequately identified, assessed and controlled to prevent harm to those affected by the work activity. This guidance can be used by schools who have their own on-site swimming pool, or who regularly visit an off site pool or leisure facility.

Pupils with epilepsy must be properly supported so that they have full access to education, including school trips and Physical Education. Governing Bodies of maintained schools, proprietors of academies and management committees of PRUs must ensure that school leaders consult the relevant health and social care professionals, pupils and parents to ensure that the needs of children with epilepsy are effectively supported.

All pupils with epilepsy must be considered disabled under the definitions set out in the Equality Act 2010. Hence reasonable adjustments must be made including access to auxiliary aids and services.

NEW: RAS104 SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH EPILEPSY

Children undergoing cancer treatment may experience challenges in engaging with tasks and activities due to the effects of the illness and its treatment on the body and brain. Prolonged hospital stays can further disrupt daily routines and education, impacting their school experience and engagement.

School plays a crucial role in a child’s life, providing a sense of purpose, wellbeing, and the intrinsic drive to learn and play. As educators, you have the opportunity to support these children by fostering an inclusive environment where they can participate, maintain friendships, and feel valued in their learning journey.

NEW: RAS105 SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH CANCER