Schools regularly employ contractors to undertake maintenance, refurbishment and improvement works. Effective contractor management helps protect pupils, staff and contractors while ensuring work is completed safely.

What Documents Should Contractors Provide?

Before work begins, schools should normally obtain:

Public liability insurance
Employer's liability insurance
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
Competence or qualification evidence where appropriate
Construction Phase Plans for applicable projects
Emergency contact details

Higher-risk work may require additional documentation depending on the activity.

Do Contractors Need DBS Checks?

Not every contractor requires a DBS check.

Whether a DBS check is required depends on the nature of the work, whether children are present and whether the contractor will be supervised. Schools should always consider safeguarding arrangements before work begins.

Supervising Contractors

Schools should monitor contractors throughout their work, particularly where pupils remain on site. Good practice includes:

Site inductions
Visitor identification
Segregation of work areas
Regular monitoring
Safe access and egress
Communication with staff

Permit to Work Systems

Higher-risk activities may require a Permit to Work. These are commonly used for:

Hot works
Roof access
Confined spaces
Electrical isolation
Excavations

A permit helps ensure hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place before work starts.

Effective Contractor Management

Good contractor management is about planning, communication and ongoing monitoring rather than simply collecting paperwork.

How SchoolSafe Systems Helps

SchoolSafe Systems provides contractor management reviews, safeguarding compliance checks, contractor approval reviews and practical support to help schools manage contractors safely.