Health and Safety

The employer of school staff is responsible for health and safety, though tasks may be delegated to staff. The day to day responsibility for the running of the school lies with the headteacher. In law, the headteacher can be deemed the 'responsible person' so must be aware of the relevant health and safety legislation which relates to schools buildings and sites. 

One of the key area's of Health & Safety in schools is Statutory Testing and maintenance checks. Some of these tests are statutory by law. The Diocesan Education Service is currently carrying out an audit of Local Authorities to see what monitoring of schools currently takes place. (A number of local authorities offer this as a traded service for which schools have to pay.) This does not however, remove the responsibility of ensuring each of these tests and checks are carried out. This responsibility still rests with the school. 
Further correspondence and updates for headteachers will follow in due course, including a schedule of statutory tests and maintenance for school use.

Should schools have a query regarding a health and safety matter on the school site, please contact Toni Guest at the BDES for further information [email protected]​

Key Documents for Health and Safety

Advice for schools

Asbestos management guidance

Asbestos in schools: Where it may be located

Fire safety risk assessment

HSE Construction Regulations

HSE Guide for clients on the Construction Regulations

Fire Safety in Construction