Serious health and safety concerns raised by Ofsted over special school
A school’s health and safety has been criticised after pupils were put at risk of being crushed to death.
The Rowan School, Henne Drive, on the site of the former Coseley School, had unsecure cupboards at risk of falling, industrial chemicals stored in an easily-accessible kitchen and an open power distribution cupboard, Ofsted allege.
Other concerns raised by the education watchdog included pest infestations not being “adequately managed”, dirty and unhygienic toilets and “obvious” mistakes in medication administration.
A report, published earlier this month, said: “Although the proprietor has ensured that there are written health and safety and risk assessment policies, these are not effective because they do not outline many of the risks to pupils and staff inspectors found during this inspection. Elements of the health and safety policy are not being followed.
“The hall, which is used for physical activity, is adjacent to a community theatre with no barrier between these two spaces. A number of significant hazards to pupils’ health are in the theatre space. For example, stacked tiered seating that nearly reaches the ceiling, which pupils could easily climb, and stacked metal staging that poses a crush hazard.”
One mother, who asked not to be named, described it as shocking and frightening.
The school said all health and safety issues raised were rectified on the day of the inspection. The special school was however praised for its teaching.
