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Posted By polo
Hi
We've been asked to help create a wildlife pond at a local primary school for dipping and looking for "mini beasts" etc.
Have any of you had experience of this type of thing before?
I would usually avoid mixing children and water for obvious reasons, but the Headteacher thinks it's a good idea.
We would be providing the labour, materials and design it.
Will the Head / local authority have to deal with the risk assessment side of things?
Any help would be appreciated
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Posted By Sally
Can I first check who 'we' are? Are you experts in pond building or you a local firm such as a bank doing a charity project?
The Head would be responsible for the Risk Assessments covering the use of the pond. This would include approving the design. You would be responsible for the assessments regarding the actual construction but would have to liase closely with the HT regarding the safety of the children (and staff) while there was construction going on.
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Posted By cara
In my previous job I set up school visits (local schools) to our pond area at the back of our factory - we did pond dipping, learned about the environment, plants, mini beasts etc all part of Corporate social responsibility and us reaching desired top level of green dragon standards.
The children loved it (so did I - a welcome break from the desk!) and I got other staff involved to help supervise the children (We made it clear tho that the teachers we ultimately responsible for behaviour)
I did have worries over mixing children with water but they really enjoyed themselves so were very willing to listen to us over safety.
In partnership with one of the schools then we set up an interactive DVD containing work sheets etc alone the lines of the national curriculum/ risk assessments etc this could then be used for future school years.
Feel free to email and queries - but I would say go for it!
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Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke
Hiya
It's not something I have been involved in, but as I have kids an article on TV caught my attention the other day. It showed a grid system that supports the weight of a child, and is positioned just under the surface. I have send you a link direct to your mail.
Regards
Linda
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Posted By Pete48
Polo, if you search on "safe design of wildlife ponds" you will get a whole raft of stuff that will help identify the design matters you will to consider as a basic starting point. When you have some ideas of design I would then talk with the school about how they intend to manage the on-going risks once the pond is established. For example, fencing requirements, supervision of use etc. Together you will identify a design that the school will be able to safely manage.
Kids and water go together very well and can learn and play safely in, on and around it!( except when washing behind the ears is concerned and then some danger may arise to the adults!)
I think the head is spot on and I hope you will be able to help them achieve their aim.
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