Do schools need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every school must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, kept up to date and reviewed regularly by a competent person.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

Every school must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. While there is no fixed legal review period, it should be reviewed regularly, typically annually, and whenever there are significant changes to the building, its use, staffing or occupancy. Any findings should be actioned promptly and progress monitored by school leaders.

Do classroom doors need to be fire doors?

Not every classroom door is required to be a fire door. Whether a fire door is needed depends on the building's fire strategy, compartmentation and escape routes. Fire doors are commonly required where they protect escape routes or separate higher-risk areas. Schools should always follow the recommendations contained within their fire risk assessment.

What should a school do if the fire alarm fails?

If a fire alarm system becomes unavailable, the school should immediately undertake a fire risk assessment to determine whether occupation can safely continue. Temporary measures may include increased fire patrols, restricting certain activities, improving communication arrangements or reducing occupancy until the system is restored. The fire alarm should be repaired as soon as reasonably practicable.

How often should fire drills be carried out?

Most schools carry out at least one fire drill each term, although many undertake them more frequently. Drills should test different scenarios, be recorded and reviewed to identify lessons learned. New staff and pupils should also receive fire safety information as part of their induction.

Do schools need an asbestos management plan?

Yes. If a school contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), the dutyholder must have an Asbestos Management Plan that sets out how asbestos risks will be managed. The plan should include the asbestos register, arrangements for monitoring the condition of ACMs, procedures for controlling work that may disturb asbestos and information on staff training and contractor management. The plan should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur.

Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools?

The legal duty to manage asbestos usually rests with the organisation responsible for maintaining the school premises. This may be the local authority, academy trust, governing board or proprietor, depending on the type of school. Day-to-day management is often delegated to school leaders, business managers or estates teams, who should ensure the asbestos register is maintained, contractors are informed and appropriate control measures are followed.

How often should asbestos be inspected in schools?

Asbestos-containing materials should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good condition and have not been damaged. Many schools carry out formal re-inspections every 6 to 12 months, although the frequency should be determined by the condition, location and risk presented by the material. The asbestos register and management plan should be updated following each inspection or whenever changes occur.

Can schools leave asbestos in place?

Yes. Asbestos does not always need to be removed. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, the safest approach is often to leave them in place and manage them appropriately. Schools should maintain an up-to-date asbestos register, carry out regular inspections, ensure contractors are informed before work begins and prevent any activity that could damage asbestos-containing materials. Removal is usually only necessary where asbestos has deteriorated, been damaged or is likely to be disturbed during maintenance or refurbishment.

Do contractors working in schools need DBS checks?

Schools should assess whether contractors require a DBS check based on the nature of the work, the likelihood of unsupervised access to children and current safeguarding guidance. Where a DBS check is not appropriate, suitable supervision and safeguarding controls should be implemented.

What documents should contractors provide before starting work?

Before work begins, schools should normally obtain suitable public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance where applicable, Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), evidence of competence or qualifications where appropriate and emergency contact details. Higher-risk projects may also require Construction Phase Plans or other supporting documentation.

Does every contractor need a site induction?

Yes. Every contractor should receive a site induction appropriate to the work being undertaken. Inductions should cover emergency procedures, fire arrangements, safeguarding expectations, welfare facilities, restricted areas, asbestos information where relevant and any site-specific hazards. A consistent induction helps ensure contractors understand how to work safely within the school environment.

What is a Permit to Work?

A Permit to Work is a formal control system used for higher-risk activities such as hot works, roof access, confined spaces, excavations or electrical isolation. It confirms that hazards have been identified, suitable controls are in place and the work has been authorised before it starts.

How many first aiders should a school have?

There is no prescribed legal number. Schools must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine appropriate provision, taking account of pupil numbers, staff numbers, site layout, activities undertaken, educational visits and the needs of vulnerable pupils. Adequate cover should also be maintained during absences and school trips.

Do schools need paediatric first aiders?

Early years settings must meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which includes specific paediatric first aid provisions. Schools with nursery or reception-age children should ensure they meet the current EYFS requirements and have sufficient trained staff available whenever children are present.

How often should first aid kits be checked?

First aid kits should be inspected regularly to ensure contents remain complete, in date and suitable for the activities being undertaken. Many schools undertake monthly checks, although higher-use areas such as sports facilities, science laboratories and educational visit kits may require more frequent inspection.

What is a school compliance review?

A compliance review provides an independent assessment of how effectively a school's health and safety arrangements are operating. Unlike a traditional audit, a compliance review focuses on practical improvements, prioritised actions and providing assurance that statutory requirements are being effectively managed.

What should governors receive in a health and safety report?

Governors and trustees should receive clear information that allows them to monitor health and safety performance. Reports commonly include accident trends, compliance status, statutory inspections, fire safety updates, training compliance, audit findings, outstanding actions and significant risks requiring strategic oversight.

How often should school health and safety policies be reviewed?

Health and safety policies should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant organisational or legislative changes occur. Many schools undertake an annual review to ensure arrangements remain current, reflect operational practice and continue to meet statutory requirements.

Who is responsible for monitoring health and safety compliance?

Monitoring is a shared responsibility. Headteachers and senior leaders oversee day-to-day arrangements, while business managers, estates teams and site staff often coordinate practical compliance activities. Governors or trustees provide strategic oversight by reviewing reports, monitoring performance and seeking assurance that effective arrangements remain in place.

How often should a school health and safety audit be carried out?

There is no prescribed legal frequency for health and safety audits. Many schools undertake a full independent audit every 2–3 years, supported by annual reviews or themed compliance reviews to provide ongoing assurance.

Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?

The employer (local authority, academy trust or proprietor) holds the primary legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Governors, the headteacher and staff all carry defined responsibilities for implementing arrangements day-to-day.

What evidence should schools keep to demonstrate health and safety compliance?

Schools should maintain clear records demonstrating that statutory duties are being met. This may include health and safety policies, risk assessments, statutory inspection reports, fire safety records, accident reports, training records, contractor documentation and compliance action plans. Well-organised records provide assurance to leaders, governors, inspectors and enforcing authorities that health and safety is being effectively managed.

How often should school play equipment be inspected?

Outdoor play equipment should be visually inspected routinely by school staff, with more detailed operational inspections carried out periodically. An independent annual inspection by a suitably competent person is widely recognised as good practice and helps identify deterioration, wear and potential safety defects.

What temperature is too hot for classrooms?

There is currently no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK. However, employers have a duty to provide a reasonable working environment. During periods of hot weather, schools should undertake risk assessments and consider measures such as increased ventilation, hydration, adjusting activities, reducing physical exertion and monitoring vulnerable individuals.

Do schools need legionella risk assessments?

Yes. Schools have duties under health and safety legislation to manage the risks associated with legionella bacteria within their water systems. A suitable legionella risk assessment should be undertaken, supported by an appropriate written scheme, routine temperature monitoring, flushing regimes and periodic review.

What are governors responsible for in relation to health and safety?

Governors and trustees have a strategic responsibility for health and safety. They should ensure suitable policies, systems and resources are in place, monitor compliance through regular reporting and seek assurance that risks are being effectively managed. While governors are not expected to manage health and safety day-to-day, they should provide appropriate challenge and oversight to ensure the school is meeting its legal duties.

What should a school health and safety committee do?

A health and safety committee provides a forum for discussing health and safety performance, reviewing incidents, monitoring compliance and identifying areas for improvement. Meetings typically consider accident trends, statutory inspections, fire safety, premises issues, training, risk assessments and progress against outstanding actions. An effective committee helps ensure health and safety remains an ongoing management priority rather than an annual exercise.

How often should governors review health and safety?

Health and safety should be considered by governors throughout the year rather than as a one-off annual agenda item. Many governing boards receive termly health and safety reports covering compliance status, incidents, audit findings and outstanding actions, alongside an annual review of the school's Health and Safety Policy and overall management arrangements.

Does every school need a health and safety policy?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers with five or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. In practice, all schools should have a current policy that clearly sets out responsibilities, management arrangements and how health and safety is organised across the school. The policy should be reviewed regularly and kept up to date.

What health and safety training should school leaders receive?

School leaders should receive training appropriate to their responsibilities. This may include health and safety management, fire safety, safeguarding, educational visits, risk assessment, incident investigation and emergency planning. Refresher training should be provided periodically to ensure leaders remain up to date with legal requirements, guidance and good practice.

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Our guides are grouped into four content hubs so you can go straight to the area you are working on.

Fire Safety

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Fire risk assessments, fire doors, drills, evacuation and compartmentation in school buildings.

Health & Safety Management

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Policies, responsibilities, committees, risk assessments, training and competence.

Compliance & Governance

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Statutory compliance, monitoring, governor assurance, compliance reviews and dashboards.

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Contractor control, permits to work, RAMS, DBS requirements and construction projects.

Last Update: Summer 2026

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Fire Safety
Health & Safety Management
First Aid
Contractor Management
Educational Visits
Premises Compliance
Statutory Compliance
Policy Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Fire Safety

Do schools need a fire risk assessment?: Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every school must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, kept up to date and reviewed regularly by a competent person.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?: Every school must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. While there is no fixed legal review period, it should be reviewed regularly, typically annually, and whenever there are significant changes to the building, its use, staffing or occupancy. Any findings should be actioned promptly and progress monitored by school leaders.
Do classroom doors need to be fire doors?: Not every classroom door is required to be a fire door. Whether a fire door is needed depends on the building's fire strategy, compartmentation and escape routes. Fire doors are commonly required where they protect escape routes or separate higher-risk areas. Schools should always follow the recommendations contained within their fire risk assessment.
What should a school do if the fire alarm fails?: If a fire alarm system becomes unavailable, the school should immediately undertake a fire risk assessment to determine whether occupation can safely continue. Temporary measures may include increased fire patrols, restricting certain activities, improving communication arrangements or reducing occupancy until the system is restored. The fire alarm should be repaired as soon as reasonably practicable.
How often should fire drills be carried out?: Most schools carry out at least one fire drill each term, although many undertake them more frequently. Drills should test different scenarios, be recorded and reviewed to identify lessons learned. New staff and pupils should also receive fire safety information as part of their induction.

Asbestos Management

Do schools need an asbestos management plan?: Yes. If a school contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), the dutyholder must have an Asbestos Management Plan that sets out how asbestos risks will be managed. The plan should include the asbestos register, arrangements for monitoring the condition of ACMs, procedures for controlling work that may disturb asbestos and information on staff training and contractor management. The plan should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur.
Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools?: The legal duty to manage asbestos usually rests with the organisation responsible for maintaining the school premises. This may be the local authority, academy trust, governing board or proprietor, depending on the type of school. Day-to-day management is often delegated to school leaders, business managers or estates teams, who should ensure the asbestos register is maintained, contractors are informed and appropriate control measures are followed.
How often should asbestos be inspected in schools?: Asbestos-containing materials should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good condition and have not been damaged. Many schools carry out formal re-inspections every 6 to 12 months, although the frequency should be determined by the condition, location and risk presented by the material. The asbestos register and management plan should be updated following each inspection or whenever changes occur.
Can schools leave asbestos in place?: Yes. Asbestos does not always need to be removed. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, the safest approach is often to leave them in place and manage them appropriately. Schools should maintain an up-to-date asbestos register, carry out regular inspections, ensure contractors are informed before work begins and prevent any activity that could damage asbestos-containing materials. Removal is usually only necessary where asbestos has deteriorated, been damaged or is likely to be disturbed during maintenance or refurbishment.

Contractor Management

Do contractors working in schools need DBS checks?: Schools should assess whether contractors require a DBS check based on the nature of the work, the likelihood of unsupervised access to children and current safeguarding guidance. Where a DBS check is not appropriate, suitable supervision and safeguarding controls should be implemented.
What documents should contractors provide before starting work?: Before work begins, schools should normally obtain suitable public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance where applicable, Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), evidence of competence or qualifications where appropriate and emergency contact details. Higher-risk projects may also require Construction Phase Plans or other supporting documentation.
Does every contractor need a site induction?: Yes. Every contractor should receive a site induction appropriate to the work being undertaken. Inductions should cover emergency procedures, fire arrangements, safeguarding expectations, welfare facilities, restricted areas, asbestos information where relevant and any site-specific hazards. A consistent induction helps ensure contractors understand how to work safely within the school environment.
What is a Permit to Work?: A Permit to Work is a formal control system used for higher-risk activities such as hot works, roof access, confined spaces, excavations or electrical isolation. It confirms that hazards have been identified, suitable controls are in place and the work has been authorised before it starts.

First Aid

How many first aiders should a school have?: There is no prescribed legal number. Schools must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine appropriate provision, taking account of pupil numbers, staff numbers, site layout, activities undertaken, educational visits and the needs of vulnerable pupils. Adequate cover should also be maintained during absences and school trips.
Do schools need paediatric first aiders?: Early years settings must meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which includes specific paediatric first aid provisions. Schools with nursery or reception-age children should ensure they meet the current EYFS requirements and have sufficient trained staff available whenever children are present.
How often should first aid kits be checked?: First aid kits should be inspected regularly to ensure contents remain complete, in date and suitable for the activities being undertaken. Many schools undertake monthly checks, although higher-use areas such as sports facilities, science laboratories and educational visit kits may require more frequent inspection.

Compliance

What is a school compliance review?: A compliance review provides an independent assessment of how effectively a school's health and safety arrangements are operating. Unlike a traditional audit, a compliance review focuses on practical improvements, prioritised actions and providing assurance that statutory requirements are being effectively managed.
What should governors receive in a health and safety report?: Governors and trustees should receive clear information that allows them to monitor health and safety performance. Reports commonly include accident trends, compliance status, statutory inspections, fire safety updates, training compliance, audit findings, outstanding actions and significant risks requiring strategic oversight.
How often should school health and safety policies be reviewed?: Health and safety policies should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant organisational or legislative changes occur. Many schools undertake an annual review to ensure arrangements remain current, reflect operational practice and continue to meet statutory requirements.
Who is responsible for monitoring health and safety compliance?: Monitoring is a shared responsibility. Headteachers and senior leaders oversee day-to-day arrangements, while business managers, estates teams and site staff often coordinate practical compliance activities. Governors or trustees provide strategic oversight by reviewing reports, monitoring performance and seeking assurance that effective arrangements remain in place.
How often should a school health and safety audit be carried out?: There is no prescribed legal frequency for health and safety audits. Many schools undertake a full independent audit every 2–3 years, supported by annual reviews or themed compliance reviews to provide ongoing assurance.
Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?: The employer (local authority, academy trust or proprietor) holds the primary legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Governors, the headteacher and staff all carry defined responsibilities for implementing arrangements day-to-day.
What evidence should schools keep to demonstrate health and safety compliance?: Schools should maintain clear records demonstrating that statutory duties are being met. This may include health and safety policies, risk assessments, statutory inspection reports, fire safety records, accident reports, training records, contractor documentation and compliance action plans. Well-organised records provide assurance to leaders, governors, inspectors and enforcing authorities that health and safety is being effectively managed.

Premises

How often should school play equipment be inspected?: Outdoor play equipment should be visually inspected routinely by school staff, with more detailed operational inspections carried out periodically. An independent annual inspection by a suitably competent person is widely recognised as good practice and helps identify deterioration, wear and potential safety defects.
What temperature is too hot for classrooms?: There is currently no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK. However, employers have a duty to provide a reasonable working environment. During periods of hot weather, schools should undertake risk assessments and consider measures such as increased ventilation, hydration, adjusting activities, reducing physical exertion and monitoring vulnerable individuals.
Do schools need legionella risk assessments?: Yes. Schools have duties under health and safety legislation to manage the risks associated with legionella bacteria within their water systems. A suitable legionella risk assessment should be undertaken, supported by an appropriate written scheme, routine temperature monitoring, flushing regimes and periodic review.

Governance & Leadership

What are governors responsible for in relation to health and safety?: Governors and trustees have a strategic responsibility for health and safety. They should ensure suitable policies, systems and resources are in place, monitor compliance through regular reporting and seek assurance that risks are being effectively managed. While governors are not expected to manage health and safety day-to-day, they should provide appropriate challenge and oversight to ensure the school is meeting its legal duties.
What should a school health and safety committee do?: A health and safety committee provides a forum for discussing health and safety performance, reviewing incidents, monitoring compliance and identifying areas for improvement. Meetings typically consider accident trends, statutory inspections, fire safety, premises issues, training, risk assessments and progress against outstanding actions. An effective committee helps ensure health and safety remains an ongoing management priority rather than an annual exercise.
How often should governors review health and safety?: Health and safety should be considered by governors throughout the year rather than as a one-off annual agenda item. Many governing boards receive termly health and safety reports covering compliance status, incidents, audit findings and outstanding actions, alongside an annual review of the school's Health and Safety Policy and overall management arrangements.
Does every school need a health and safety policy?: Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers with five or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. In practice, all schools should have a current policy that clearly sets out responsibilities, management arrangements and how health and safety is organised across the school. The policy should be reviewed regularly and kept up to date.
What health and safety training should school leaders receive?: School leaders should receive training appropriate to their responsibilities. This may include health and safety management, fire safety, safeguarding, educational visits, risk assessment, incident investigation and emergency planning. Refresher training should be provided periodically to ensure leaders remain up to date with legal requirements, guidance and good practice.