Update

We have updated the health and safety advice for schools by removing the short section about school staff driving minibuses, as we have now published separate advice on this subject.

About this advice

The government is determined to reduce burdens on schools. We want to simplify health and safety requirements and explain them better. The government is making it easier for schools to take pupils on trips, removing paperwork and taking steps to reduce teachers’ fears of legal action. Teachers should be confident that they know best how to look after pupils and keep them safe.

This document summarises the existing health and safety law relevant to schools and explains how it affects local authorities, governing bodies, headteachers and other school staff. It covers activities that take place on or off school premises, including school trips. Advice on driving school minibuses is now provided separately.

This advice document replaces a number of guidance documents on health, safety and security in schools, including 'Health and safety: Responsibilities and powers (2001)' and 'Health and safety of pupils on educational visits (HASPEV 1998)'.

Independent schools - please note that the amended Independent School Standards Regulations 2010, which came into effect from 1 January 2013, no longer require proprietors to have regard to specific guidance. However, schools may find it useful to refer to this health and safety advice. Further information on the amended regulations can be found here.

In conjunction with this advice document you should read the following policy statement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): School trips and outdoor learning activities: Tackling the health and safety myths.

Expiry or review date

This advice will be kept under review and updated as necessary.

The advice in this document is based on the law as it stands. The government is reviewing health and safety laws to simplify them further.

Who is this advice for?

  • school employers
  • headteachers and other school staff

Although this advice is aimed at schools, sixth-form colleges are covered by the same health and safety legislation and may also find the advice useful to inform their approach to health and safety.