Who is responsible?
It depends on the type of school. Under Department for Education guidance, the employer is usually the local authority for community and voluntary controlled schools, the governing body for foundation and voluntary aided schools, and the academy trust for academies and free schools. Headteachers and staff then have day-to-day responsibilities. Knowing who holds which duty is the first step to getting it right.
The risks we see most
- Building works and contractors on site, often while pupils are present, where the school may have duties as a client under CDM 2015
- Asbestos in older buildings, which must be managed under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Fire safety and evacuation of large numbers of pupils and visitors
- Legionella in water systems, especially after holidays when outlets go unused
- Practical subjects such as science, design and technology, and PE
- Educational visits and off-site activities
- Site safety: vehicles, pedestrians, playgrounds and premises maintenance
How we help
- Health and Safety audits for single schools and across trusts
- Fire risk assessments
- Legionella risk assessments and control schemes
- CDM client advice for building and refurbishment projects
- Training for site staff and leaders
- Retained competent person support