The final days leading up to a new school year often are filled with schedules, staffing, classroom preparation and last-minute details.
But before students arrive, school leaders should take time to review several areas that help support a safe learning environment throughout the year.
A preseason safety review doesn't have to be complicated. Focusing on facilities, safety and security procedures, and school policies can help schools identify potential problems before they become incidents.
1. Review playground and campus safety
Summer projects may be complete, but that doesn't mean facility reviews should end when students return.
Before the school year begins, school leaders should evaluate playgrounds and other outdoor spaces to help identify hazards. Staff should look for damaged, loose or missing equipment components, exposed hardware, tripping hazards and visibility concerns that could make supervision difficult. Damaged equipment should be removed from service until repairs are completed.
Also ensure protective surfacing is in good condition, equipment is appropriate for the age groups using it and spaced to reduce the potential for collisions.
Routine inspections and maintenance are important throughout the year, but a preseason review provides an opportunity to confirm everything is ready before students arrive.
Schools also may benefit from a more comprehensive assessment. All CM Regent Risk Control Consultants are Certified Playground Safety Inspectors and can help schools identify potential concerns and improve playground safety practices.
2. Conduct a safety and security review
A safe school environment depends on more than physical facilities.
Before the school year begins, schools should review their broader safety and security programs, including emergency planning, personnel screening practices and driver qualifications.
Start with the Emergency Action Plan. Plans should be reviewed regularly to ensure contact information, staff responsibilities and response procedures remain current. Personnel changes, facility updates and evolving risks can quickly make a plan outdated if it sits on a shelf year after year.
This also is a good opportunity to confirm required background checks, sex offender registry checks and motor vehicle record reviews have been completed and documented for employees, coaches, volunteers and others who may work with students. Schools should review procedures for recurring screenings and verify individuals who have assumed new responsibilities meet applicable requirements.
The goal is to ensure safety programs remain active, accurate and ready to support effective decision-making when they're needed most.
3. Review key policies and expectations
Policies are most effective when everyone understands them before challenges arise.
Prior to the start of the school year, schools should review both employee and student handbook policies to ensure expectations remain clear, relevant and consistently enforceable.
Topics may include student conduct, technology use, supervision responsibilities, reporting procedures, visitor management, transportation practices and other operational expectations.
School leaders should also verify that staff members understand their responsibilities and that expectations have been communicated to students and families. Even strong policies can create confusion and frustration if they're applied inconsistently or aren't clearly understood.
Start the year prepared
A new school year brings plenty of moving parts. Taking time to review facilities, evaluate safety and security procedures, and confirm policies remain current can help schools address preventable risks before they affect students, staff or families.
The most effective preseason review isn't necessarily the most extensive. It's the one that helps identify potential problems, assigns responsibility and makes safety part of the school's routine from day one.
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