Back to School Health and Safety: Key Checks for the New Academic Year

Over the summer, school environments can change considerably. Maintenance and improvement projects may have taken place, new equipment or substances may have been introduced, staffing responsibilities can change and new pupils and employees will be joining the school.

Before the academic year gets fully underway, taking the time to review these arrangements can help schools identify gaps, refresh staff knowledge and ensure appropriate procedures are in place.

Adrian Cook, our Associate Compliance Manager, has highlighted some of the key areas schools should have on their back-to-school checklist for September.

Staff induction and refresher training

The beginning of the academic year often brings new starters and changes in responsibilities for existing employees.

Schools should ensure new employees have completed the appropriate induction and health and safety training for their role, including any role-specific requirements.

It is also important to consider employees whose responsibilities have changed. Additional training may be required to ensure they have the knowledge and competence needed for their new duties.

Reviewing the school-wide training matrix at the beginning of term can help identify upcoming expiry dates and refresher requirements before training becomes overdue.

Safeguarding and emergency procedures

Even where procedures have not changed, the start of term provides a valuable opportunity to remind staff of their responsibilities.

Staff should be familiar with safeguarding arrangements, emergency contacts, fire and emergency plans, evacuation routes and the procedures they are expected to follow in an emergency.

This is particularly important for new employees who may be unfamiliar with the school site and its specific arrangements.

Security awareness and Martyn’s Law readiness

Site security should also form part of back-to-school checks.

Access permissions should be reviewed so that former employees or other individuals who no longer require access are removed from relevant systems. Restricted areas should also be checked to ensure appropriate security arrangements remain in place.

Schools should continue to consider their preparedness for Martyn’s Law, including reviewing relevant guidance and developing appropriate public protection procedures.

Staff awareness is an important part of this. Employees should understand how to recognise and report suspicious behaviour, visitor and contractor arrangements, and their responsibilities during evacuation and lockdown procedures.

Allergen management

Allergy information and procedures should be reviewed at the beginning of the academic year, particularly where new pupils have joined the school.

Schools should review pupil, student and staff allergy information alongside individual healthcare plans, emergency medication, catering arrangements and procedures for responding to an allergic reaction.

Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) held on site should be checked to ensure they remain in date and are accessible in an emergency.

Schools should also consider whether staff have received appropriate allergy awareness training, including practical instruction in the use of an AAI where required.

Fire safety and evacuation arrangements

Fire safety arrangements should reflect the people currently using the building and any changes that may have taken place to the estate.

Schools should review fire risk assessments, fire and emergency plans, escape routes, fire doors, alarms, assembly points, evacuation procedures and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

Arrangements for new pupils and members of staff should also be considered.

A fire drill should be undertaken as soon as practicable to help ensure new pupils, students and employees understand the school’s evacuation procedures.

First aid arrangements

Schools should review whether their current level of first aid provision remains appropriate for the site and the number and needs of its occupants.

This should include checking staff training and identifying qualifications that are approaching expiry, alongside considering any specific requirements such as appropriate paediatric first aid provision within Early Years settings.

First aid supplies should also be checked to ensure they are adequately stocked, in date and readily accessible when required.

Site management

Finally, there are several practical estate and facilities checks that can be particularly important following periods of reduced occupation and summer works.

Water outlets should be appropriately flushed following periods of non-occupation, while access equipment should be inspected for any damage that may have occurred during summer works.

COSHH information should be reviewed to account for any new substances introduced to the site, and asbestos management plans should be updated to incorporate any relevant surveys or information obtained during the summer.

Supporting schools with health and safety

A successful start to the academic year isn’t only about having policies in place. Schools need to be confident that their procedures remain appropriate, staff understand their responsibilities and important checks haven’t been missed during a busy period.

YMD Boon’s Health & Safety team works with schools and education organisations to provide practical, ongoing support with their health and safety responsibilities.

If you would like advice or support with your school’s health and safety arrangements for the new academic year, get in touch with our team.