​

 

 

Policy Scope

References to ‘child’ and ‘children’ refer to individuals under the age of 18 years.

​

O’Brien International School is committed to providing, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe outdoor and learning environment for all children. This policy outlines the standards of supervision before, during, and after the school day to ensure all staff, contractors, agency workers, third-party organizations, and parents/carers are informed of their responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Headteacher

The headteacher will:

• Ensure adequate staff are available to meet supervision requirements:

  • Before the school day

  • During break and lunch times

  • After school until all children are safely collected or under the supervision of a parent/carer

• Ensure staff are aware of their supervisory responsibilities

• Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement in safeguarding

• Communicate the supervision policy to parents/carers

• Review and evaluate supervision procedures regularly

Supervising Staff

All supervising staff must:

• Support and implement this policy effectively

• Promote safe and respectful behaviour during play and recreation

• Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, behaviour, and staff conduct policies

• Report concerns to the headteacher, SLT, or DSL as appropriate

• Ensure children are never left unsupervised

• Use effective classroom management and preparation to prevent lapses in supervision

Parents/Carers

Parents/carers are expected to:

• Respect the school’s supervision timings and procedures

• Ensure children and any siblings behave appropriately while on site

• Report concerns to the headteacher, SLT, or DSL

• Communicate promptly about changes to collection arrangements

Supervision Before School

• Children, including siblings, must not:

  • Use playground equipment

  • Play ball games

  • Behave in a way that could pose a risk to others

• Supervision begins at 08:10 for secondary and 09:10 for primary.

• •  

    We now have a camera operated entry for late arrivals.

    If you do arrive late please wait until the next lesson begins.

    ​

• Classroom staff should be at classroom doors by 08:05 to welcome children and receive messages from parents

• Parents are responsible for children before 08:00, as no supervision is available

• Gates are open from 08:00 to 09:00. Latecomers must report to reception

Supervision During the School Day

General Rules

• All visitors must report to the school office; some must be escorted at all times

• Children may not leave school grounds without verified parent/carer permission

• Children are not permitted to run errands off-site

• Children who fall ill will have their emergency contacts notified

Lesson Time

• Children must be supervised at all times

• No child should be left unattended in a classroom or elsewhere

• Children attending clubs must be actively supervised

Dealing with Visitors or Adults on Site

• Staff must question unidentified visitors and report concerns to the school office

• Parents/carers must not approach other children regarding disputes; instead, they should report to the school office

Break Time Supervision

Headteacher/Secretary Duties

• Review and adjust duty schedules based on staff availability

• Determine if it is a wet break

• Provide supervision training for new staff

Class/Subject Teachers

• Supervise children until duty staff arrive

• Ensure children go outside appropriately unless behaviour warrants indoor supervision

• Monitor behaviour during transition times, especially in congested areas

Supervising Staff

• Be present before break begins and remain until all children have returned to class

• Patrol designated areas actively—avoid standing in one spot or engaging in long conversations

• Handle behaviour issues and report to class teachers or DSL if serious

• Record accidents in the minor injuries log; escalate serious injuries appropriately

Injury Protocol

• Minor injuries: managed by nearest staff member

• Serious injuries: staff to seek help from Central Salud in San Miguel de Salinas

Lunchtime Supervision

Headteacher/Secretary

• Assess wet weather arrangements and staff availability daily

• Ensure adequate lunchtime supervision and maintain communication by mobile phone

Lunchtime Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Ensuring student safety and behaviour indoors and outdoors

• Dealing with accidents and referring to health and safety policy

• Organizing indoor activities during wet lunch periods

• Undertaking relevant training

General Duties

• Supervise eating, behaviour, and clean-up in the dining area

• Monitor all play areas and patrol their assigned zones

• Encourage inclusive play but avoid prolonged engagement with one group

• Uphold the behaviour policy and avoid questioning children about personal matters

• Be especially vigilant of:

  • Younger children (EYFS/KS1)

  • Children with SEND or behavioural needs

After School Supervision

• All class doors open at 14:30

• Children are only released to recognized persons unless prior notice is given

• Ball games and use of play equipment are not allowed after school

Trips, and Off-Site Activities

• Children must be collected from the main entrance unless permission has been given (e.g. for independent walking in Years 5 and 6)

• Staff will ensure all children are safely dismissed

Supervision at Other Times

• Supervision is not provided during:

  • Open days

  • Parent evenings

  • Parent events

• Parents/carers are responsible for children during these times

Applicability

This policy applies to:

• All school staff (permanent, temporary, and agency)

• Contractors and third-party organizations

• Children

• Parents/carers

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will:

• Monitor records of injuries, behaviour incidents, and bullying reports

• Identify and address trends

• Recommend adjustments to supervision arrangements as necessary

Supervision of Children Policy

 

Approval Date 

July 2025

Next Review July 2027