Make the decision on a case-by-case basis
Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) won't need any additional health and safety considerations. This is explained by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Instead, you should make 'reasonable adjustments' to minimise disadvantages to pupils with SEN and/or disabilities, as required by the Equality Act 2010. If you effectively manage health and safety considerations for pupils with SEND, this should help to provide them with the same opportunities as other pupils.
You might need an individual risk assessment if...
A pupil's specific need puts them at a higher risk than the rest of the class. However, always base this decision on the individual's needs.
Make sure you don't implement ‘blanket policies’ that place restrictions on all pupils with SEND, or automatically assume that these pupils are a greater risk.
Read more about the HSE's guiding principles.
To decide if a pupil