School Risk Assessment Policy

Updated July 2025

1. Scope

This policy applies to the development, implementation, and review of risk assessments related to safeguarding and health and safety for all school pupils and visitors. It ensures that all foreseeable risks are identified, assessed, and managed to support a safe environment.

2. Objectives

The aims of this policy are to:

• Ensure that major risks are identified and managed within an overarching risk management strategy to promote children's welfare.

• Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for activities that present a significant risk, including school trips and external visits.

• Ensure that appropriate control measures are implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level, so far as is reasonably practicable.

• Ensure that pupils, staff, and others affected by school activities are provided with relevant information and instructions.

• Ensure that risk assessments are documented, monitored, and reviewed at appropriate intervals or when circumstances change.

• Clearly identify individuals responsible for conducting and overseeing risk assessments.

3. Links with Other Policies

This Risk Assessment Policy should be read alongside the following related school policies:

• Health and Safety Policy

• First Aid Policy

• Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy

4. Responsibilities

• The Headteacher and Senior Managers hold ultimate responsibility for the overall risk management policy and must ensure it is formally reviewed every two years.

• Responsibilities may be delegated to appropriate staff members as necessary.

• The Head of Section or Primary School Manager is responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of oversight.

5. Risk Assessment Criteria

Risk assessments will consider:

• Hazard – Any source or situation with the potential to cause harm.

• Risk – The likelihood of the hazard causing harm, and the potential consequences.

• Risk Rating – A measure of how severe the impact could be if the risk materialises.

• Control Measures – Steps, procedures, or systems in place to reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk.

6. Risk Assessment Process

Risk assessments will follow the six-step process outlined below:

1. Identify what could go wrong – What hazards or dangers are associated with the activity or situation?

2. Identify who might be harmed – Consider pupils, staff, visitors, and contractors.

3. Assess how likely it is to go wrong – Evaluate the probability of the risk occurring.

4. Assess how serious it would be if it did – Consider the potential severity of harm or damage.

5. Decide what you are going to do to stop it – Determine what control measures can be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk.

6. Review how you are going to check that your plans are working – Monitor and review the effectiveness of control measures and adjust as necessary.