Health and safety: how to show Ofsted you're fulfilling your duties

Ofsted doesn't have set criteria for evaluating health and safety, but inspectors will report on any failure to comply with statutory requirements. Be clear on your obligations, and good practice, so you feel ready if Ofsted asks.

Last reviewed on 11 August 2023See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 5569
Contents
  1. Show you understand your key responsibilities
  2. Show that you identify and mitigate hazards
  3. Be confident that your pupils feel safe
  4. Communicate effectively to all stakeholders

Show you understand your key responsibilities

As the headteacher and school management team, it’s your responsibility (in most cases) to make sure risks are managed effectively day to day.

Appoint a competent person* to be your health and safety lead Have a compliant health and safety policy – adapt our model health and safety policy to save you time Comply with health and safety law (your school should be 'familiar with' relevant legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) and put appropriate control measures in place Regularly review and update your risk assessments, treating them as 'living documents' Train your staff so they know and understand their responsibilities, and keep a log of all health and safety training Keep clear and concise records of all injuries and accidents. Following an incident, review your process and procedures – if you need to make any changes, make sure