Ensuring a safe and protective learning environment for all

Prept. Foundation Knife Policy

Introduction

Prept. Foundation requires all leaders and participants to follow this
policy to create a safe and effective learning environment during our educational
sessions. As part of these sessions, knives may be used for food preparation and
cooking activities, this includes the use of Plastic Safety Knifes.

This policy sets out the procedures for the safe handling, storage, and accountability
of knives to minimise risks.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and participants involved in sessions where knives are
used. It must be adhered to at all times in schools and other settings where workshops take
place.

2. Responsibilities

• The Lead Adult (the setting staff member responsible for the session) must oversee the
use of knives and ensure compliance with this policy.
o In-school – the lead adult refers to the School Lead, unless the Prept Chef is taking knifes into the school setting then it is the responsibility of the Prept Chef
o Farm-to-Fork and off-site visits – the lead adult refers to the Prept Chef
• Volunteers and staff must follow safe knife-handling procedures as outlined in
training
• Participants must be supervised at all times when handling knives

3. Knife Handling and Safety Procedures

• Knives must only be used for their intended purpose and handled with care.
• Participants must be shown correct and safe knife-handling techniques before use.
• A designated preparation area must be set up where knives are used.
• Knives must never be left unattended or passed from person to person directly; they
should be placed on a surface for transfer.
• Young people must not leave or enter the room freely while knives are in use. If a
participant needs to leave the room for any reason during a session where knives are
being used, it is the Lead Adult’s responsibility to ensure the participant leaves their
knife in the classroom before exiting.

4. Knife Storage and Accountability

• Knives must be stored in a secure, designated container when not in use.
• The Lead Adult is responsible for counting knives in and out at the beginning and end
of each session.
o In-school – the lead adult refers to the School Lead, unless the Prept chef is taking
knifes into the school setting then this is the responsibility of the Prept Chef
o Farm-to-Fork and off-site visits – the lead adult refers to the Prept Chef.
• The designated knife log form must be used to record and confirm all knives are
accounted for after each session. This record must be signed by both the chef and the
staA lead. The completed form will be stored by Prept. Foundation for safeguarding
purposes.
• Any missing or damaged knives must be reported immediately to the School Lead,
School DSL, Prept Chef and Prept DSL.

5. Incident Reporting

• Any accidents, injuries, or breaches of this policy must be reported and documented
following the charity’s incident reporting procedure.
• If a knife goes missing, immediate action must be taken, including informing the
school or setting’s designated safeguarding lead.

6. Review and Training

• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure ongoing effectiveness and compliance
with safety regulations.
• All staff and volunteers handling knives must undergo knife safety training before
participating in workshops. By following this policy, Prept. Foundation have minimised
risks to create a safe learning environment.