Do schools need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. Schools must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and keep it up to date. The Responsible Person must ensure the assessment is completed and reviewed. Where they do not have sufficient expertise themselves, competent assistance should be obtained.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed legal review period. A school's fire risk assessment must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly, particularly where there is reason to believe it is no longer valid or following significant changes to the premises or their use. The appropriate review arrangements should reflect the premises, risks and circumstances.

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 or significantly impaired, the school should assess the increased fire risk immediately and determine whether the premises, or affected parts of them, can continue to be occupied safely. Appropriate temporary precautions may include additional fire patrols, enhanced communication arrangements, restricting activities or areas, or reducing occupancy, depending on the circumstances. The fault should be reported and repaired as soon as reasonably practicable, with specialist fire-safety advice obtained where necessary.

How often should fire drills be carried out?

Fire drills should be carried out often enough to ensure that evacuation arrangements are understood and work effectively in practice. The appropriate frequency should reflect the school's fire risk assessment, premises, occupancy and emergency arrangements. Drills should be recorded and reviewed so that any lessons or improvements can be identified.

Do schools need an asbestos management plan?

Where the duty to manage asbestos applies, the dutyholder must have arrangements for managing the risk from asbestos-containing materials. This should include an asbestos register and management plan setting out how known or presumed asbestos will be managed, monitored and communicated. Arrangements should cover work that could disturb asbestos, providing relevant information to those liable to disturb it, monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials and keeping the management arrangements under review.

Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools?

The duty to manage asbestos rests with the person or organisation that has responsibility for maintenance or repair of the relevant non-domestic premises, or control of those matters. In schools this may involve a local authority, academy trust, governing body or proprietor depending on the school's legal and premises arrangements. Day-to-day asbestos management may be delegated to school leaders or estates staff, but the relevant dutyholder arrangements should be clearly understood.

How often should asbestos be inspected in schools?

Asbestos-containing materials that remain in place should be monitored at appropriate intervals to check their condition and identify damage or deterioration. The frequency should reflect factors such as the material's condition, location, likelihood of disturbance and risk. The asbestos register should be updated when relevant changes are identified, and the asbestos management plan should be kept under review.

Can schools leave asbestos in place?

Yes. Asbestos-containing materials do not automatically need to be removed. Where they are in good condition and can remain undisturbed, managing them safely in place may be appropriate. Schools should ensure relevant asbestos information is kept up to date, the condition of materials is monitored, and anyone liable to disturb them is provided with appropriate information before work starts. Removal or other remedial work may be required where the condition, planned work or risk assessment indicates that this is necessary.

Do contractors working in schools need DBS checks?

Whether a contractor is eligible for a DBS check depends on the nature of their role, the activities they carry out, their frequency and the circumstances in which the work takes place. From 1 September 2026, supervision no longer excludes otherwise qualifying specified activities with children from regulated activity. Schools should assess each role against current Keeping Children Safe in Education and DBS eligibility guidance and apply appropriate safeguarding and access controls.

What documents should contractors provide before starting work?

The information a school should obtain depends on the nature and risk of the work. This may include evidence of relevant insurance, competence or qualifications, risk assessments and method statements where appropriate, and information needed to coordinate the work safely. Construction work may also require documentation under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, depending on the project and dutyholder arrangements.

Does every contractor need a site induction?

Contractors should receive suitable site information and instruction proportionate to the work and risks involved. For contractors working on site, this will commonly include an appropriate induction covering matters such as emergency arrangements, safeguarding, restricted areas, relevant asbestos information and site-specific hazards. The level of induction should reflect the nature, duration and risk of the work.

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?

Schools and early years settings providing for children within the EYFS must meet the current Early Years Foundation Stage paediatric first aid requirements. This includes ensuring the required paediatric first aid provision is available while EYFS children are present and on relevant outings. Schools should check the current EYFS requirements when determining the number and deployment of trained staff.

How often should first aid kits be checked?

First aid kits should be checked regularly and replenished as necessary so that their contents remain suitable for the school's first aid needs. The appropriate checking arrangements should reflect factors such as the location, level of use and activities being supported. Higher-use or mobile kits may need checking more frequently.

What is a whole-school health and safety audit?

A whole-school health and safety audit provides a structured, independent assessment of how effectively management arrangements, premises controls and day-to-day practice are operating. It can help identify gaps, prioritise actions and provide leaders with assurance. Its scope should reflect the school's premises, activities, age groups and risk profile.

What should governors receive in a health and safety report?

Governors and trustees should receive proportionate information that enables them to understand significant health and safety risks and seek assurance that appropriate arrangements are in place. Depending on the school's governance arrangements, this may include accident trends, significant compliance issues, fire safety, training, audit or review findings, outstanding high-priority actions and risks requiring strategic oversight.

How often should school health and safety policies be reviewed?

Health and safety policies should be kept up to date and reviewed when necessary, including following significant organisational, operational or legislative changes. Many organisations also schedule periodic formal reviews as part of their management arrangements. The review process should ensure that the policy continues to reflect responsibilities and actual working practices.

Who is responsible for monitoring health and safety compliance?

Responsibility depends on the school's legal, governance and management arrangements. The employer holds the primary duties under health and safety legislation, while headteachers, senior leaders, business managers, estates teams and other staff may have delegated responsibilities for implementing and monitoring arrangements. Governors or trustees have an important governance and assurance role where applicable, but operational responsibilities should be clearly allocated within the school's management system.

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

There is no prescribed legal frequency for a school health and safety audit. Schools should have suitable arrangements for monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance, with the frequency and scope of formal audits or independent reviews reflecting factors such as risk, organisational complexity, previous findings, significant changes and the school's wider assurance arrangements.

Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?

The employer holds the primary duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Who the employer is depends on the type and governance of the school and may, for example, be a local authority, academy trust or proprietor. Headteachers, governors or trustees, managers and staff also have important responsibilities within the school's health and safety arrangements.

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

Schools should maintain appropriate records that provide evidence of how health and safety duties are being managed. Depending on the activity, this may include policies, risk assessments, statutory inspection and maintenance records, fire-safety records, accident records, training information, contractor documentation and action plans. Records should support effective management and assurance rather than simply be retained as paperwork.

How often should school play equipment be inspected?

Play equipment should be subject to an appropriate inspection and maintenance regime based on the equipment, its use, manufacturer information and the risks involved. This commonly includes routine visual checks and more detailed periodic inspections. Independent annual inspection is widely used as good practice for outdoor play equipment, but schools should ensure their arrangements are appropriate to the particular equipment and setting.

What temperature is too hot for classrooms?

There is no general maximum workplace temperature set in UK health and safety law. Employers must, however, provide a reasonable indoor working temperature and manage risks to health and safety. During hot weather, schools should consider the needs of pupils and staff and use proportionate measures such as ventilation, access to drinking water, adapting activities and monitoring people who may be particularly vulnerable to heat.

Do schools need legionella risk assessments?

Schools must manage the health and safety risks associated with legionella in their water systems. This includes identifying and assessing the risk and putting appropriate controls in place. Depending on the water system and findings of the assessment, arrangements may include a written control scheme, monitoring, flushing of little-used outlets and other measures. The assessment and controls should be reviewed when necessary to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

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

The role of governors or trustees depends on the school's legal and governance arrangements. They should provide appropriate strategic oversight and seek assurance that significant health and safety risks are being managed effectively. This can include considering policies, significant risks, resources, performance information and important outstanding actions. Day-to-day health and safety management should remain with the appropriate operational roles rather than the governing board.

What should a school health and safety committee do?

A health and safety committee can provide a structured forum for consultation, reviewing performance, discussing incidents, monitoring significant actions and identifying areas for improvement. Its agenda may include accident trends, premises compliance, fire safety, training, risk assessments and progress against actions. Schools should ensure their wider consultation arrangements meet applicable legal requirements, whether through a formal committee or other suitable arrangements.

How often should governors review health and safety?

Governors or trustees should receive health and safety information often enough to provide effective oversight and assurance, with significant risks or urgent issues escalated when necessary. The appropriate reporting frequency should reflect the school's governance arrangements, risk profile and circumstances. Health and safety should form part of ongoing governance rather than being considered only as an annual exercise.

Does every school need a health and safety policy?

Employers with five or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. In practice, this means schools should have a current written policy setting out their approach to health and safety, responsibilities and management arrangements. The policy should be kept up to date and reflect how health and safety is actually organised and managed.

What health and safety training should school leaders receive?

School leaders should have the health and safety information, instruction and training necessary for the responsibilities they hold. The content will depend on their role and may include areas such as health and safety management, risk assessment, fire safety, incident management, educational visits or emergency arrangements. Training should be refreshed or updated where necessary, for example when responsibilities, risks or relevant requirements change.

Insights

Practical guides on health & safety in schools

Plain-English answers to the questions school leaders, business managers and governors ask most.

Popular school compliance guides

The guides school leaders, business managers and governors read most.

Latest guides

New and recently updated practical guidance.

Free download

The SchoolSafe Compliance Scorecard

A 20-question RAG self-assessment covering fire, contractors, allergies, training, governor oversight and more. Straight to your inbox.

Download the Compliance Scorecard

Browse by topic

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

Fire Safety

View hub

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

Health & Safety Management

View hub

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

Compliance & Governance

View hub

Statutory compliance, monitoring, governor assurance, audits and reporting.

Contractor Management

View hub

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

Guides are reviewed and updated regularly; each article shows its own last-reviewed date.

Need More Than a Template?

Templates, checklists and self-assessment tools can provide a useful framework, but they cannot determine whether arrangements are suitable for an individual school or whether controls are being implemented effectively.

SchoolSafe Systems provides independent health & safety and compliance support for schools and Multi-Academy Trusts requiring additional assurance or practical assistance.

Frequently asked questions

Fire Safety

Do schools need a fire risk assessment?: Yes. Schools must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and keep it up to date. The Responsible Person must ensure the assessment is completed and reviewed. Where they do not have sufficient expertise themselves, competent assistance should be obtained.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?: There is no fixed legal review period. A school's fire risk assessment must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly, particularly where there is reason to believe it is no longer valid or following significant changes to the premises or their use. The appropriate review arrangements should reflect the premises, risks and circumstances.
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 or significantly impaired, the school should assess the increased fire risk immediately and determine whether the premises, or affected parts of them, can continue to be occupied safely. Appropriate temporary precautions may include additional fire patrols, enhanced communication arrangements, restricting activities or areas, or reducing occupancy, depending on the circumstances. The fault should be reported and repaired as soon as reasonably practicable, with specialist fire-safety advice obtained where necessary.
How often should fire drills be carried out?: Fire drills should be carried out often enough to ensure that evacuation arrangements are understood and work effectively in practice. The appropriate frequency should reflect the school's fire risk assessment, premises, occupancy and emergency arrangements. Drills should be recorded and reviewed so that any lessons or improvements can be identified.

Asbestos Management

Do schools need an asbestos management plan?: Where the duty to manage asbestos applies, the dutyholder must have arrangements for managing the risk from asbestos-containing materials. This should include an asbestos register and management plan setting out how known or presumed asbestos will be managed, monitored and communicated. Arrangements should cover work that could disturb asbestos, providing relevant information to those liable to disturb it, monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials and keeping the management arrangements under review.
Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools?: The duty to manage asbestos rests with the person or organisation that has responsibility for maintenance or repair of the relevant non-domestic premises, or control of those matters. In schools this may involve a local authority, academy trust, governing body or proprietor depending on the school's legal and premises arrangements. Day-to-day asbestos management may be delegated to school leaders or estates staff, but the relevant dutyholder arrangements should be clearly understood.
How often should asbestos be inspected in schools?: Asbestos-containing materials that remain in place should be monitored at appropriate intervals to check their condition and identify damage or deterioration. The frequency should reflect factors such as the material's condition, location, likelihood of disturbance and risk. The asbestos register should be updated when relevant changes are identified, and the asbestos management plan should be kept under review.
Can schools leave asbestos in place?: Yes. Asbestos-containing materials do not automatically need to be removed. Where they are in good condition and can remain undisturbed, managing them safely in place may be appropriate. Schools should ensure relevant asbestos information is kept up to date, the condition of materials is monitored, and anyone liable to disturb them is provided with appropriate information before work starts. Removal or other remedial work may be required where the condition, planned work or risk assessment indicates that this is necessary.

Contractor Management

Do contractors working in schools need DBS checks?: Whether a contractor is eligible for a DBS check depends on the nature of their role, the activities they carry out, their frequency and the circumstances in which the work takes place. From 1 September 2026, supervision no longer excludes otherwise qualifying specified activities with children from regulated activity. Schools should assess each role against current Keeping Children Safe in Education and DBS eligibility guidance and apply appropriate safeguarding and access controls.
What documents should contractors provide before starting work?: The information a school should obtain depends on the nature and risk of the work. This may include evidence of relevant insurance, competence or qualifications, risk assessments and method statements where appropriate, and information needed to coordinate the work safely. Construction work may also require documentation under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, depending on the project and dutyholder arrangements.
Does every contractor need a site induction?: Contractors should receive suitable site information and instruction proportionate to the work and risks involved. For contractors working on site, this will commonly include an appropriate induction covering matters such as emergency arrangements, safeguarding, restricted areas, relevant asbestos information and site-specific hazards. The level of induction should reflect the nature, duration and risk of the work.
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?: Schools and early years settings providing for children within the EYFS must meet the current Early Years Foundation Stage paediatric first aid requirements. This includes ensuring the required paediatric first aid provision is available while EYFS children are present and on relevant outings. Schools should check the current EYFS requirements when determining the number and deployment of trained staff.
How often should first aid kits be checked?: First aid kits should be checked regularly and replenished as necessary so that their contents remain suitable for the school's first aid needs. The appropriate checking arrangements should reflect factors such as the location, level of use and activities being supported. Higher-use or mobile kits may need checking more frequently.

Compliance

What is a whole-school health and safety audit?: A whole-school health and safety audit provides a structured, independent assessment of how effectively management arrangements, premises controls and day-to-day practice are operating. It can help identify gaps, prioritise actions and provide leaders with assurance. Its scope should reflect the school's premises, activities, age groups and risk profile.
What should governors receive in a health and safety report?: Governors and trustees should receive proportionate information that enables them to understand significant health and safety risks and seek assurance that appropriate arrangements are in place. Depending on the school's governance arrangements, this may include accident trends, significant compliance issues, fire safety, training, audit or review findings, outstanding high-priority actions and risks requiring strategic oversight.
How often should school health and safety policies be reviewed?: Health and safety policies should be kept up to date and reviewed when necessary, including following significant organisational, operational or legislative changes. Many organisations also schedule periodic formal reviews as part of their management arrangements. The review process should ensure that the policy continues to reflect responsibilities and actual working practices.
Who is responsible for monitoring health and safety compliance?: Responsibility depends on the school's legal, governance and management arrangements. The employer holds the primary duties under health and safety legislation, while headteachers, senior leaders, business managers, estates teams and other staff may have delegated responsibilities for implementing and monitoring arrangements. Governors or trustees have an important governance and assurance role where applicable, but operational responsibilities should be clearly allocated within the school's management system.
How often should a school health and safety audit be carried out?: There is no prescribed legal frequency for a school health and safety audit. Schools should have suitable arrangements for monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance, with the frequency and scope of formal audits or independent reviews reflecting factors such as risk, organisational complexity, previous findings, significant changes and the school's wider assurance arrangements.
Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?: The employer holds the primary duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Who the employer is depends on the type and governance of the school and may, for example, be a local authority, academy trust or proprietor. Headteachers, governors or trustees, managers and staff also have important responsibilities within the school's health and safety arrangements.
What evidence should schools keep to demonstrate health and safety compliance?: Schools should maintain appropriate records that provide evidence of how health and safety duties are being managed. Depending on the activity, this may include policies, risk assessments, statutory inspection and maintenance records, fire-safety records, accident records, training information, contractor documentation and action plans. Records should support effective management and assurance rather than simply be retained as paperwork.

Premises

How often should school play equipment be inspected?: Play equipment should be subject to an appropriate inspection and maintenance regime based on the equipment, its use, manufacturer information and the risks involved. This commonly includes routine visual checks and more detailed periodic inspections. Independent annual inspection is widely used as good practice for outdoor play equipment, but schools should ensure their arrangements are appropriate to the particular equipment and setting.
What temperature is too hot for classrooms?: There is no general maximum workplace temperature set in UK health and safety law. Employers must, however, provide a reasonable indoor working temperature and manage risks to health and safety. During hot weather, schools should consider the needs of pupils and staff and use proportionate measures such as ventilation, access to drinking water, adapting activities and monitoring people who may be particularly vulnerable to heat.
Do schools need legionella risk assessments?: Schools must manage the health and safety risks associated with legionella in their water systems. This includes identifying and assessing the risk and putting appropriate controls in place. Depending on the water system and findings of the assessment, arrangements may include a written control scheme, monitoring, flushing of little-used outlets and other measures. The assessment and controls should be reviewed when necessary to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

Governance & Leadership

What are governors responsible for in relation to health and safety?: The role of governors or trustees depends on the school's legal and governance arrangements. They should provide appropriate strategic oversight and seek assurance that significant health and safety risks are being managed effectively. This can include considering policies, significant risks, resources, performance information and important outstanding actions. Day-to-day health and safety management should remain with the appropriate operational roles rather than the governing board.
What should a school health and safety committee do?: A health and safety committee can provide a structured forum for consultation, reviewing performance, discussing incidents, monitoring significant actions and identifying areas for improvement. Its agenda may include accident trends, premises compliance, fire safety, training, risk assessments and progress against actions. Schools should ensure their wider consultation arrangements meet applicable legal requirements, whether through a formal committee or other suitable arrangements.
How often should governors review health and safety?: Governors or trustees should receive health and safety information often enough to provide effective oversight and assurance, with significant risks or urgent issues escalated when necessary. The appropriate reporting frequency should reflect the school's governance arrangements, risk profile and circumstances. Health and safety should form part of ongoing governance rather than being considered only as an annual exercise.
Does every school need a health and safety policy?: Employers with five or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. In practice, this means schools should have a current written policy setting out their approach to health and safety, responsibilities and management arrangements. The policy should be kept up to date and reflect how health and safety is actually organised and managed.
What health and safety training should school leaders receive?: School leaders should have the health and safety information, instruction and training necessary for the responsibilities they hold. The content will depend on their role and may include areas such as health and safety management, risk assessment, fire safety, incident management, educational visits or emergency arrangements. Training should be refreshed or updated where necessary, for example when responsibilities, risks or relevant requirements change.