1.1 Explain The Importance Of Pre-Planning Of The Environment

The environment must be fit for purpose - that is, it must be considered safe and free of any hazards or anything that might be detrimental to childrenâ€TMs learning or comfort.
In most schools, pupils will spend the majority of their time in a classroom. These rooms must be kept tidy and well organised, taking into account seating positions of individual children and addressing the physical needs of individuals. For example, if a child has any visual impairment, it would be important to seat that child in a well lit area, close to the front of the class where they can more easily see the teacherâ€TMs whiteboard. A child with a hearing impairment may also need to be close to the teacher. A child with SEN may need a desk in a bigger space than
Even minor things can be upsetting and disorientating to children with these conditions.
Pre-planning of the learning environment is essential. If a lesson would be better conducted in an outdoor space, it is important to have assessed and made that space safe beforehand - any dangerous plants removed such as stinging nettles, and animal mess, or broken glass or litter which could be potentially harmful. If it is a particularly hot day, shade must be available. Conversely if it is icy, paths must be cleared and any slipping hazard considered.
Most schools will have rules governing the use of toys and outdoor equipment, and it is usually the responsibility of the teacher or assistant in charge of a playtime duty to ensure these rules are obeyed. Pupils themselves may be on a tidying up rota to make sure all toys and equipment are stored safely at the end of a break. There will also usually be a member of staff and possibly a school governor who has overall responsibility for health and safety on school premises (especially from a maintenance perspective). However on a daily basis and on a micro level, it is the responsibility of every adult in school to be aware of and make safe potential hazards as part of their duty of care towards every single
However, on a more macro level, there is a designated member of staff who has a duty to keep a regular check on school premises and equipment. The head teacher carries out regular inspections too and brings to the attention of class teachers and pupils any potential dangers - this can be as mundane as school bags and coats left lying in a corridor for people to trip over, or something less regular such as a deterioration in a school building or faulty equipment. There is also a designated school governor whose duty it is to perform regular in depth health and safety checks around and within school. Routine inspections of electrical equipment or the heating systems are carried out annually, and the staff member responsible for health and safety will ensure annual checks are made and recorded on fire extinguishers around school buildings. They must also make sure that regular fire drills are carried out during school hours on certain days each term so that all pupils and staff know what to do in the event of a fire. Up to date daily attendance registers are kept and checked at these times to account for