Revised Model Health and Safety Policy

The updated model has been simplified to make it easier to complete and maintain, while strengthening several key areas of health and safety management.

Key changes

• Clearer guidance on the purpose of the policy and school responsibilities.
• Improved prompts for approval, review dates, ownership and sign-off.
• Stronger governance arrangements, including regular health and safety reporting to governors.
• Annual review of delegated health and safety responsibilities, and whenever significant staffing changes occur.
• Enhanced sections covering:
  • Educational visits and adventurous activities
  • Food allergy and anaphylaxis management
  • Supporting pupils with medical conditions
  • Employee wellbeing, including work-related stress and violence at work
  • Lone working and Legionella
  • Severe weather risks such as heatwaves, flooding, storms, snow and ice

Why the policy has been updated

The revisions help schools to:

• Keep policies up to date and easier to manage.
• Clarify roles and responsibilities.
• Reflect current and emerging risks.
• Strengthen governance and oversight.
• Support compliance with audits, inspections and policy reviews.

The model policy also includes updated references to current guidance, including health and safety responsibilities, physical education, first aid, infection control and allergy management.

What schools should do

When reviewing your school’s policy:

• Use the revised template as the basis for your local policy.
• Complete all school-specific sections and named responsibilities.
• Check delegated responsibilities remain accurate.
• Obtain approval from governors.
• Share the approved policy with all staff.