Pregnant staff: risk assessments

Be clear on your requirements around risk assessments for new and expectant mothers in your school, and see examples of risk assessments from a trust and a local authority. Know what to consider when taking pregnant staff on school trips.

Last reviewed on 11 July 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3748
Contents
  1. Include pregnancy in your general risk assessment
  2. Carry out an individual risk assessment for pregnant workers
  3. Examples of risk assessments
  4. Pregnant staff on school trips
  5. More resources

Include pregnancy in your general risk assessment

By law, your general workplace risk assessment must include risks to women of childbearing age. This includes risks to new and expectant mothers. 

Remember that pregnancy may impact:

Note: pregnant pupils will face similar risks to pregnant staff. You’ll need to follow similar risk assessment procedures that take into account all activities the pupil engages in while they’re in school (such as sport or prolonged periods of standing), and put measures in place to protect their health and safety.

Carry out an individual risk assessment for pregnant workers

When a staff member provides written confirmation that they're pregnant, have given birth within the past 6 months or are breastfeeding, you must complete an individual risk assessment for them. 

This is set out in advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Review your existing general risk assessment to check it's suitable Talk