Risk assessments (RAs) are often seen as a barrier to be able to ‘just get on’ with school activities or day to day working life. They’re not! They are however a legal requirement, and actually, if viewed in a positive light, can be an ‘enabler’ rather than an obstruction. They also demonstrate, if carried out properly, communicated appropriately and consulted upon, that you as a school body are carrying out your duty of care for all relevant people.
Risk assessment templates and guidance:
- A list of advised topics for schools to base risk assessments on.
- Example one – a risk matrix to help you judge the likelihood and severity of hazards, so you can grade the risk.
- Example two – another risk matrix – please do use which one you want!
- The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on writing a risk assessment – including the ‘Five Steps’.
- A DSE self-assessment form for relevant staff to use at least yearly.
- A blank RA template for everyday activities (see the list of topics above).
- A blank RA template for pupil behavioural issues (compile one assessment for the pupil’s safety, and one for staff and other pupils’ safety).
- Another blank RA template for pupil behavioural issues with an Individual Support Plan (ISP) attached.
- A blank RA template for expectant and new mothers.
- A specific document called ‘Safety for Staff directing vehicles on school sites‘.
- A document acknowledgment sheet for when you communicate your risk assessments – all staff can sign this to say they have received and understood the document.
- A pupil led / directed risk assessment template – this can help empower the pupil to see the risks they may be taking which could pose a danger to themselves or others.
- A risk elimination sheet (Excel), specifically about PE / PESSPA – this gives the school a chance to minimise paperwork but at the same time show exactly how they control risk in PE lessons by pointing to other procedures or protocols both in-house and from national organisations.
Where relevant, guidance notes are contained in each template and they all contain an action plan for further controls to reduce the risks. You do not have to use these templates, you can use another type or alternatively you could tailor them to your own needs. What these do give you though is the complete ‘Five Steps’ as advised by the HSE. A PEEP template plus guidance can be found on the Fire Precautions page.
Covid information for educational settings:
- Early years and childcare providers – Department of Education guidance.
- Schools guidance – Department of Education guidance.
- Special schools and other specialist settings – Department of Education guidance.
- Further education colleges and providers – Department of Education guidance.
- Higher education providers – Department of Education guidance.
- Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings – Department of Education guidance.
Risk Assessment training:
“Risk assessment for managers” training workshops are available (for Heads, Bursars, Business Managers etc) – please contact nina.bickerton@suffolk.gov.uk for details on how to book. Schools can also request specific RA training workshops for their own establishment, perhaps as part of a PD day or twilight session from Nina – these can be tailored to your own needs, as you may have a specific subject you want to go through, or train a lot of people at once.