Ensuring the safety of young people at school

Ensure proper student supervision with an effective strategic surveillance plan

This plan includes:

  • a sufficient number of adults in key locations (e.g. schoolyard, cafeteria, locker rooms, washrooms, gymnasium, social activity areas) and at events held outside the school
  • organization that facilitates supervision or makes it easier, such as having the offices of teachers or other professionals in student hallways and leaving doors open as often as possible, and removing barriers that prevent students from being seen on school property
  • reducing unsupervised travel time
  • proper supervision of indoor and outdoor play areas, such as schoolyards, gymnasiums and pools of water

This action is aligned with the following frameworks:

Facility organization and scheduling

  • Manage the flow of students through balanced scheduling of meal, recess, entry and departure times.
  • Arrange facilities with flexibility to allow greater freedom of motion and to support movement through the space.
  • Arrange furnishings on the premises in such a way as to facilitate movement.
  • Ensure that facilities and equipment follow current safety standards and principles of sustainable development.
  • Periodically assess facility and equipment safety and implement corrective measures if necessary.

This action is aligned with the following frameworks:

Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare for any emergency situation

  • Develop a multi-dimensional emergency measures plan that, in particular, provides for collaboration among all stakeholders to disseminate information and for training.
  • Make the school team, students, families and partners involved aware of the emergency measures plan.

This action is aligned with the following framework:

Follow current health and safety standards and best practices (including staff training) to avoid unintentional injuries, allergic reactions, infestations and infections

  • Allergies:
    • Establish a food-allergy management program to reduce the risk of accidents related to food allergens, including safety measures for food service companies.
    • Monitor and maintain indoor and outdoor air quality; for example, by checking the effectiveness of the ventilation system in filtering allergens, pollutants and irritants, controlling ragweed on school grounds, etc.
  • Infections and infestations:
    • Regularly clean facilities and equipment to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria (e.g. counters, tables, desks, door handles, chairs, sinks, water fountains, sports equipment, musical instruments).
    • Properly handle and store food and ensure the cleanliness of places where food is prepared and served.
    • Educate students about the importance of washing their hands before meals and snacks and after handling animals or products such as paint.
    • Detect and eliminate the presence of animals and insects that are harmful to health (e.g. lice, bedbugs).
  • Unintentional injury:
    • Follow and apply safety standards for equipment, facilities, and indoor and outdoor play areas.
    • Acquire the protective equipment required for the practice of each sport or activity.
    • Ensure that first aid supplies and their instructions are available for use and provide staff with first aid training.
    • Properly install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors where required. Periodically check these devices to ensure they function properly.
    • Select safe boarding and drop-off points for students travelling by bus or for parents travelling by car.
    • Establish school safety patrols made up of students aged 10 years or older and trained accordingly. Young patrollers can be responsible for:
      • low-traffic intersections (busy intersections should be patrolled by adult crossing guards)
      • reminding students taking the bus of safety precautions
      • schoolyard and indoor supervision, with teachers
  • Climate protection:
    • Create shaded areas in the schoolyard and around the school to maximize sun protection during play and physical activity and to prevent the creation of heat islands.
    • Take weather conditions into account when organizing outdoor activities. For example, adapt schedules, ensure children are dressed appropriately for the weather and ensure that children are well hydrated.

This action is aligned with the following frameworks:

Last update: March 20, 2024

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