Health & Safety for Schools & Academies

Q: Who is responsible for H&S in a school?

The employer — which may be the local authority, academy trust or governing body depending on the school type — is legally responsible. Day-to-day management is usually delegated to the headteacher, with governance oversight by the governing body or trust board.

Q: What does Ofsted look for in terms of H&S?

Ofsted does not formally inspect health and safety — that is the HSE's role. However, inspectors assess the effectiveness of safeguarding and overall leadership quality, which includes whether governors and leaders are managing foreseeable risks to pupils and staff.

Q: How often should school risk assessments be reviewed?

At least annually, and after any significant changes to premises, activities, staffing or the pupil population. New activities — trips, new equipment, building works — should trigger a specific assessment.

Q: Do academy trusts need H&S documentation across all schools?

Yes. Academy trusts are the employer for all schools in the trust, which means they hold the H&S duty. Many trusts use a consistent H&S approach across their schools, with documentation held at trust level.

Q: Can you work alongside our existing H&S policies and procedures?

Yes. We work with your existing documentation, supplementing or updating it rather than starting from scratch. Where significant gaps are found we'll flag these clearly with the priority level.

Supporting schools, academies and nurseries to meet their legal duties, manage site safety, and build a robust evidence base for governors and Ofsted.

Get a Quote 5 Common School H&S Failures

School Health & Safety — Key Obligations

Governing bodies and headteachers carry significant legal responsibility for both staff and pupils

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Site Risk Assessments

Classrooms, playgrounds, science labs, PE facilities, kitchens — each area needs a documented assessment

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Fire Risk Assessment

Required by law — must cover all buildings including temporary classrooms and outbuildings

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Educational Visits

Off-site activities — trip risk assessments, supervision ratios, and parental consent records

🧪 Science lab safety 🏋️ PE & sports 🔧 DT workshops 🍽️ Kitchen & catering 🌳 Grounds & outdoor areas

Who This Is For

Schools and academies are responsible for the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors — a significant and complex obligation. Governors and trustees have specific oversight responsibilities, and Ofsted considers the effectiveness of leadership and management, which includes managing foreseeable risks. A current, thorough risk assessment and fire risk assessment is an essential part of any school's evidence base.

What We Do

Practical assessments that fit school budget cycles and provide clear evidence for governors and insurers.

✓Fire risk assessment — legally required and expected by governors

✓General risk assessment covering all areas of the school site

✓Review of outdoor areas, sports facilities and specialist teaching spaces

✓Assessment of lone working, manual handling and COSHH arrangements

✓Review of staff training records and H&S management systems

✓Practical action plan — prioritised to fit typical school budget cycles

✓Written report within 7 days — suitable for governors, insurers and evidence files

✓Experience across primary, secondary, special schools and nurseries

Pricing Snapshot

Fixed fees agreed upfront. No ongoing retainer required.

Fire Risk Assessment

From £495

per assessment

Legally required for all school premises. Suitable for governors and evidence files. Written report within 7 days.

Risk Assessment

From £295

per assessment

Covers the whole school site including specialist spaces. Action plan prioritised to fit school budgets.

Combined

From £650

FRA + risk assessment

Both assessments in a single visit. Best value for most schools.

All fees are fixed and agreed before any work begins. See full pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for H&S in a school?▼

What does Ofsted look for in terms of H&S?▼

How often should school risk assessments be reviewed?▼

Do academy trusts need H&S documentation across all schools?▼

Can you work alongside our existing H&S policies and procedures?▼

Health & Safety for Schools & Academies

School Health & Safety — Key Obligations

Who This Is For

What We Do

Pricing Snapshot

Fire Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Combined

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Fire Risk Assessments

Risk Assessments

5 Common School H&S Failures

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