Construction projects, repairs, and upgrades are often scheduled during the summer holiday period. Whether works are large or small, schools must ensure they are planned, managed, and monitored in line with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). Further guidance is available in HSG34 Management of Construction Tasks Guidance 2025. Schools must also ensure that a PIP form has been completed and approved before work begins.
Schools have an important role in ensuring construction work is carried out safely. This includes appointing competent contractors, providing contractors with relevant site information such as asbestos records, fire safety arrangements, and occupancy details, and ensuring suitable planning arrangements are in place before work starts. Where a project involves more than one contractor, a “Principal Designer” and “Principal Contractor must be appointed”, they will be responsible for other contractors and designers working on the project. A detailed plan of the work that will take place, details of precautions being taken, emergency procedures, and time scales must be drawn up by the principal contractor (referred to as the Construction Phase Plan) and must be shared and understood by the school.
Contractors are responsible for planning, managing, and carrying out the work safely. Schools should satisfy themselves that contractors are following agreed site rules, using competent workers and implementing the controls set out in their risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
Where contractors undertake lone working activities, they should have suitable risk assessments and emergency arrangements in place. Schools should ensure these arrangements have been considered as part of the project.
For Voluntary Aided Foundation and Academy Schools, the governing body or academy trust normally acts as the employer under CDM and is therefore responsible for ensuring that contractor and project management arrangements are in place.
Schools should also ensure that suitable site controls are maintained throughout the works. Sites should remain secure, access restricted where necessary, and occupied areas, such as holiday clubs or community activities, clearly separated from construction activities. RAMS should be reviewed and shared, and clear communication maintained between all parties.
Before reopening the site, schools should verify that the work has been completed safely, all relevant permits or documentation have been closed, and visual inspections have confirmed that no residual hazards remain.
Further Information:
HSG34 Management of Construction Tasks Guidance 2025
HS34 Management of Construction Task Policy
New guidance for schools: Contractor management made simpler
Premises Investment Proposal (PIP) replaces the CIP: Summary of changes
