New Handsam eTraining Course - Food Hygiene

Handsam has created an e-training module about managing food hygiene in schools. This module is validated as a food hygiene level 1 accreditation. This module is targeted towards those who only have occasional contact with food, but who work in an environment where food is prepared. It acts as a foundation level of knowledge.

If you work with food preparation regularly, such as in a production kitchen, then a level 2 food hygiene course will also need to be completed

Staff Room Noticeboards

There are essential items that should be prominently displayed on noticeboards in a school staff room. These range from legally mandated materials to those illustrating useful information. All schools and academies are unique, so every noticeboard will look different, but here are some ideas for what a typical staff room noticeboard might contain:

The subject of school uniform—particularly the wearing of jewellery—remains one of the most debated topics in education. Policies differ from school to school, making consistent enforcement a challenge. Additionally, academy trusts, local authorities, and governing bodies may have their own uniform guidelines, which must be followed.

Jewellery in PE: Policy and Considerations

REMINDERS

In the hustle and bustle of other responsibilities, you may have overlooked some articles from Compliance Matters Issue 50. Below are some of the things making the news in the world of compliance in early 2025.

Online Safety: a Growing Concern for Younger Children

A Censuswide survey commissioned by BBC Teach reveals that online safety is an increasing concern for primary school children, challenging the perception that it primarily affects teenagers.

Findings indicate that 80% of primary school teachers have encountered at least one safeguarding issue related to online safety in the past year. Additionally, 36% of teachers report a rise in such incidents within their schools.

Competence for Periodic Inspections and Condition Monitoring of Asbestos

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that periodic inspections or condition monitoring of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be conducted without specific training if high-quality photographs clearly showing the ACMs are available.

Comparisons between the current condition and the photos can be made. However, if there is any change in condition—such as cracks, damp patches, or other deterioration—a reassessment is required. In such cases, a competent contractor must carry out the material assessment.

Just prior to the January 15th primary school application deadline, a survey conducted by Zoopla - a website and app that helps people find properties for sale or rent in the UK, revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of parents admit to flouting school admissions criteria to secure a place at their preferred local school, according to their latest study.

Zoopla surveyed parents of school-age children to understand the lengths they go to in pursuit of the best education for their kids. The findings highlight that families willing to relocate to a desirable catchment area pay, on average, £82,960 more for a home. In London, this figure soars to over £200,000.

How Far Will Parents Go to Secure a Spot at a Top School?

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ISSUE 50