Somerset Council has removed the monthly F10 fire safety questionnaire for maintained schools from Civica. The questionnaire was duplicating the records already maintained by schools and the monthly submissions were not regularly being monitored, so there is no longer a requirement for maintained schools to complete this return.
However, this does not remove the requirement for schools to continue carrying out and recording their routine fire safety checks and logging them on the F10 suite of forms.
What schools need to do
Schools must continue to use the current F10 Fire Forms to record the relevant daily, weekly, monthly and six-monthly fire safety checks. The suite includes checks covering fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, evacuation drills and fire doors. Completed F10 forms should be retained on site in the school’s fire folder so that clear records of fire safety management are available.
Although the monthly Civica questionnaire has been removed, Somerset Council continues to monitor fire safety arrangements through:
- Fire Risk Assessments, including review and monitoring of associated actions.
- Fire Safety Audits, which assess school fire safety arrangements and compliance.
- Health and Safety Audits, which include checks of the school’s fire safety management arrangements.
F10 Fire Forms and Fire Door Training
Premises Managers, caretakers and staff with responsibility for fire safety are encouraged to attend our F10 Fire Forms and Fire Door Training.
The course provides practical guidance on completing F10 fire safety checks, inspecting fire doors and maintaining appropriate fire safety records. The course costs £25 per delegate.
Upcoming sessions:
- 12 November 2026, morning or afternoon, Brympton Way, Yeovil
- 17 November 2026, morning or afternoon, County Hall, Taunton
- 18 November 2026, morning, County Hall, Taunton
- 18 November 2026, afternoon, Brympton Way, Yeovil
Courses are bookable through SSE.
Removing the monthly questionnaire is intended to reduce unnecessary duplication, not reduce the importance of the checks themselves. Please continue to complete the F10 forms at the required frequencies and retain your completed records in your fire folder.
