Amended guidance has now been issued for schools, head teachers and school staff providing advice on health and safety covering activities that take place on or off school premises, including school trips. The advice applies to academies and free schools, maintained schools, local authorities and independent schools.
The document, entitled 'Health and safety: Advice on legal duties and powers for local authorities, school leaders, school staff and governing bodies' replaces a number of guidance documents on health, safety and security in schools, including 'Health and safety: responsibilities and powers (2001)' and 'Health and safety of pupils on educational visits (HASPEV 1998)'.
The guidance has been produced in an attempt to seek to reduce the burdens placed on schools by making it easier for them to take pupils on trips, removing unnecessary paperwork and taking steps to reduce teachers' fears of legal action. The document also summarises the existing health and safety law relevant to schools, both on or off school premises.
The advice confirms that 'Children should be able to experience a wide range of activities. Health and safety measures should help them to do this safely, not stop them. It is important that children learn to understand and manage the risks that are a normal part of life'.
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