Ensuring a safe and protective learning environment for all

Prept. Foundation Knife Safety Policy

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, including the use of Plastic Safety Knives.

1. Scope

This policy sets out the procedures for the safe handling, storage, and accountability of knives to minimise risks. It 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 (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 Prept Chef is taking knives into the school setting, in which case 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 knives into the school setting, in which case 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 staff 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 aims to minimise risks and create a safe learning environment.