Carrying out and recording risk assessments is a key requirement for ensuring the safety of children, staff, and visitors in your school or childcare setting. Risk assessments help identify potential hazards, assess who may be harmed and how, and establish measures to manage those risks. To Support this below is a generic risk assessment and further templates and guidance to support you in this process are located on traded services.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the independent regulator for work-related health, safety, and illness in the UK. HSE provides guidance and tools to help employers meet their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations.
Risk assessments should:
The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requires early years providers to assess and manage risks. Although written risk assessments are not mandatory, Waltham Forest Council strongly recommends that they are documented to demonstrate due diligence, especially in the event of an incident.
Educational visits are an important part of learning and should be thoroughly planned and risk assessed. Waltham Forest uses EVOLVE, a secure online system, to support the planning, approval, and review of off-site visits. Features include search and reporting tools, downloadable resources, online parental consent, and staff training and visit history. Each staff member involved in visits should have their own EVOLVE account, managed by the school’s Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC). See here for more information EVOLVE account,
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, schools have a legal duty to protect staff, pupils, and visitors from harm. This includes identifying potential hazards and putting in place measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.
Children and young people can be more vulnerable to harm. Risk assessments help schools:
• Identify potential dangers in classrooms, playgrounds, and during trips
• Take steps to prevent accidents or injuries
• Promote a culture of safety and responsibility
Risk assessments cover not just students, but everyone on-site—including teachers, support staff, contractors, parents, and volunteers. This supports staff wellbeing and reduces the risk of workplace accidents.
Assessments allow schools to plan ahead:
• Ensure equipment and spaces are safe
• Prepare for emergencies (e.g., fire, severe weather, illness outbreaks)
• Identify training needs for staff
By documenting and reviewing risk assessments:
• All staff understand and follow the same safety protocols
• Schools can demonstrate due diligence if an incident occurs
• It supports better communication and coordination
Ultimately, risk assessments support schools in creating an environment where students feel safe and are free to learn, play, and grow without unnecessary hazards
To support the effective management of health and safety, a range of forms, templates, checklists, and supporting documents are available on WF Traded Services. These resources are designed to help ensure compliance with statutory requirements and to promote a safe working environment.
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