Fire Safety in Schools: Key Checks and Emergency Preparedness

Ensuring effective fire safety measures are in place is essential for protecting pupils, staff and visitors across school estates. Regular reviews of fire safety procedures, emergency plans and building conditions help schools maintain safe environments and ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

In our latest Health & Safety bulletin, YMD Boon’s Health & Safety Consultants highlight the key areas schools and academy trusts should review to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness.

Fire Risk Assessments (FRA)

Schools should regularly review their Fire Risk Assessments to ensure they reflect current building layouts, occupancy levels, activities and any changes to the premises.

Any outstanding actions should be monitored, with clear responsibilities and timescales for completion. Where significant changes have occurred, a new assessment by a competent fire risk assessor may be required.

An annual fire safety review should also be undertaken to check evacuation routes, signage and staff training arrangements.

Fire and Emergency Plans

School-specific fire and emergency plans should be reviewed and updated to reflect changes to buildings, evacuation procedures and staff responsibilities.

Plans must be accessible to all relevant staff, with consideration given to individuals who may require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures

Regular fire drills help ensure pupils, staff and visitors understand evacuation procedures and can respond quickly and safely in an emergency.

Schools should ensure drills are recorded, reviewed and followed by appropriate staff briefings to identify any improvements.

Varying the timing and scenarios of fire drills, including blocked evacuation routes or unaccounted-for individuals, can help test the effectiveness of existing procedures.

Particular consideration should be given to new pupils, including those in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and staff who may be unfamiliar with the school’s arrangements.

Means of Escape and Fire Safety Equipment

Schools should undertake regular checks to ensure corridors, stairways and final exits remain clear and accessible.

Fire doors should close correctly and must not be wedged open. Any damaged signage, emergency lighting or doors should be reported and addressed promptly.

Routine fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks and maintenance of fire safety equipment should also be completed and documented in accordance with the school’s arrangements.

Staff Responsibilities and Training

Clear roles and responsibilities are essential for effective emergency evacuation.

Schools should regularly review who is responsible for contacting emergency services, leading evacuations, checking designated areas, assisting individuals requiring support and completing roll calls.

New and temporary staff should receive appropriate briefings, particularly where staffing arrangements or responsibilities have changed.

Bonfire Night and Firework Safety

With Bonfire Night approaching, schools planning fireworks displays or seasonal events should ensure suitable risk assessments and emergency arrangements are in place.

Considerations should include crowd management, site arrangements, clearly defined responsibilities and verification of the competence of any external fireworks display provider.

How YMD Boon Can Help

YMD Boon’s Health & Safety Consultants support schools and academy trusts in managing fire safety responsibilities, maintaining compliance and strengthening emergency preparedness.

Our compliance portal provides access to essential documentation templates, including:

• Annual Fire Safety Reviews

• Fire and Emergency Plans

• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

• Fire Drill Review Records

Our team can also provide professional guidance, Fire Risk Assessments and on-site support to help schools maintain appropriate fire safety procedures and effective evacuation arrangements.