Schools are busy, complex environments where hundreds of children and young people are in your care for hours every day. Governing bodies, academy trusts and school leaders all carry significant Health and Safety responsibilities — and with Ofsted now integrating wellbeing and safety into inspections, a well-managed H&S system is no longer just a legal requirement, it is an essential part of running a good school.
⚠️ The governing body or academy trust board is legally responsible for Health and Safety in a school. This responsibility cannot be delegated away — it can be supported by a competent adviser, but ultimate accountability remains with the governors or trustees. Heads and senior leaders carry day-to-day responsibility for implementation.
Health & Safety Areas in Schools
Schools face a uniquely wide range of H&S risks, from the obvious hazards of science labs and PE lessons to the less visible risks of lone working, contractor management and COSHH. Every area below requires a documented Risk Assessment.
Science Laboratories
Science labs are one of the highest-risk areas in any school. Risk Assessments must cover:
- COSHH assessments for all chemicals stored and used
- Safe storage of hazardous substances — acids, alkalis, flammables
- Eye wash and emergency shower provision
- Gas tap and fume cupboard maintenance
- Pupil supervision ratios during practical work
- Disposal of chemical waste
PE & Sports
Physical Education carries inherent risk and requires careful management:
- Inspection and maintenance of sports equipment and gym apparatus
- Safe surfaces — indoor and outdoor
- Risk Assessment for each sporting activity
- Staff competency for specialist activities (swimming, gymnastics, trampolining)
- Weather conditions for outdoor activities
- First aid provision during PE lessons and fixtures
School Trips & Outdoor Learning
Off-site activities require thorough planning and documentation:
- Site-specific Risk Assessment for every visit
- Educational Visit Coordinator (EVC) arrangements
- Transport safety and driver competency
- Emergency procedures and medical information
- Supervision ratios for the age group and activity
- Adventure activity licensing for qualifying activities
Catering & Kitchen
School kitchens must comply with both food safety and H&S law:
- Kitchen Risk Assessment — burns, cuts, slips, equipment
- Food hygiene training for catering staff
- Allergen management — critical in a school environment
- Equipment servicing and maintenance records
- COSHH assessment for cleaning products
DT, Art & Workshops
Design Technology and Art rooms involve significant hazards:
- Machine guards and safe operating procedures for power tools
- COSHH for paints, resins, adhesives and solvents
- Kiln safety — electrical and burn risks
- Personal protective equipment for pupils and staff
- Safe storage and handling of sharp tools
Contractors on Site
Construction and maintenance work in an occupied school requires careful control:
- Contractor vetting — competence and insurance
- Site segregation — keeping pupils and contractors apart
- Permit to work for high-risk tasks (hot works, electrical)
- Asbestos management — informing contractors before work begins
- Out-of-hours working arrangements
Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor play areas require regular inspection and maintenance:
- Formal playground equipment inspection — daily visual checks and annual ROSPA-style inspections
- Impact-absorbing surfaces maintained to standard
- Boundary security — gates, fences, perimeter checks
- Tree inspection programme
- Supervision arrangements during break and lunch
COSHH & Cleaning
Cleaning products used throughout the school require COSHH assessment:
- COSHH Risk Assessment for every product
- Safe storage — locked, away from pupils
- PPE requirements identified and provided
- Training for cleaning staff
- Wet floor warning signs in use
School Events & Fetes
Larger events open to the public introduce additional risks:
- Event Risk Assessment — crowd management, stalls, inflatables
- Food hygiene for parent-run stalls
- Electrical safety for outdoor equipment and generators
- First aid provision scaled to attendance
- Parking and pedestrian safety at drop-off and collection
Fire Safety
Fire safety in schools must account for large numbers of children, many of whom are young:
- Fire Risk Assessment — legally required for all school premises
- Regular fire drills — at least termly
- Staff training in evacuation procedures
- Fire door maintenance and records
- Assembly point management for large numbers of pupils
Governing Body & Academy Trust Responsibilities
Governors and trustees have a legal duty to ensure that the school meets its Health and Safety obligations. This includes appointing a competent person to provide H&S assistance, ensuring Risk Assessments are in place, and reviewing the school's H&S policy at least annually. Many governing bodies benefit from having an external consultant review their arrangements independently — particularly before Ofsted inspections.
Ofsted and Health & Safety: Ofsted inspectors consider Health and Safety as part of their assessment of how well a school protects and supports its pupils. Significant H&S failings — particularly those involving risk to children — can affect the overall judgement. Inspectors may also speak with the safeguarding lead, who in many schools has a joint role that includes safety responsibilities.
Asbestos in Schools
Many school buildings, particularly those built before 2000, contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Schools have a duty under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage asbestos safely. This requires a written asbestos management plan, a register of all known and presumed ACMs, regular condition monitoring, and a system for informing contractors before any work that might disturb building fabric. If your school doesn't have an up-to-date asbestos register, this is an urgent priority.
Specialist Pages for Schools
Supporting Schools Across the Region
We work with primary schools, secondary schools, academies and independent schools to put in place practical, proportionate Health and Safety arrangements. Whether you need a full review, help with a specific area, or support ahead of an Ofsted inspection, we can help.
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