Health & Safety

Marcia Care and Education is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of all young people we support, our staff, and any other individuals affected by our work. We recognise our duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related regulations, and we will take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and risks to health during the provision of therapeutic care and education.

Scope of Work

We provide home-visiting therapeutic care and education to individuals under 25 with additional needs, including autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and behaviours that may challenge. Our work may take place in private homes, community settings, or educational environments.

Health and Safety Objectives

• To provide safe working conditions for staff, young people, and others.
• To identify, assess, and manage potential hazards through regular risk assessments.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as therapists or educators, to provide consistent support.
• To ensure the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
• To promote wellbeing and mental health alongside physical safety.

Responsibilities

• Managing Director – Has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company, ensuring appropriate policies, procedures, and resources are in place.
• Staff Members – Must follow all health and safety procedures, attend training, and report any hazards, incidents, or concerns promptly.
• Young People and Families – Encouraged to share any concerns about safety or wellbeing with the assigned staff member or via the formal communication process.

Risk Management

We will carry out individualised risk assessments before commencing support with each young person, taking into account environmental hazards, medical needs, and behavioural risks. These will be reviewed regularly and updated as required.

Incident Reporting and Communication

• The staff member on-site will ensure immediate safety and provide first aid or emergency services if required.
• The incident will be reported to the Managing Director within 24 hours.
• For urgent issues affecting safety or wellbeing, staff will contact the Managing Director directly via phone.
• An Incident Report Form will be completed and stored in line with GDPR requirements.
• A clear line of communication will be maintained, with updates provided to all relevant parties, including parents/guardians and, where appropriate, local authorities.

Staff Training

All staff will receive regular health and safety training, including safeguarding, behaviour management, and first aid. This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or practice.