Workplace Health and Safety: Beverages in Learning Spaces
At Marymede Catholic College, we are committed to maintaining safe learning environments that minimize risk to students and support effective teaching practice.
Beverage Policy for Teaching and Learning Spaces:
Teaching Staff and Learning Support Officers are not permitted to consume hot or cold drinks (such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks) while actively teaching or supervising students in classrooms and learning areas. Water bottles are acceptable and encouraged to support staff hydration and wellbeing throughout the day.
Rationale:
This policy has been established to:
- Prevent potential scalding incidents from hot beverages in environments with young or moving students
- Reduce the risk of spills on student work, learning materials, or electronic equipment
- Model professional standards and maintain focus on student learning and supervision
Staff Breaks:
Staff are encouraged to enjoy hot and cold beverages during scheduled breaks in designated staff areas, ensuring adequate refreshment while maintaining the safety and professionalism of our learning environments.