Educational Premises.
Prioritisation of Fire Safety Management in School Estates
Ensuring robust fire safety management across school estates is a critical responsibility. This duty is underpinned by legislation such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and guidance from the Department for Education (DfE).
Effective estate management is not merely an operational concern - it is a fundamental obligation to safeguard the safety, wellbeing, and protection of pupils, staff, and visitors. Fire safety must therefore be embedded as a core element of statutory compliance, supported by:
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Competent fire risk assessment
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Clear and up-to-date policies
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Regular monitoring and review processes
Fire Risk Assessments
Schools are required to maintain suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments.
These must:
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Be conducted by competent individuals
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Be reviewed regularly
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Be updated whenever there are significant changes to buildings, layout, or use
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Fire risk assessments should form part of a comprehensive safety management system, ensuring that risks are identified, mitigated, and continuously monitored.
Supporting Resources
The following resources can support schools in strengthening fire safety compliance:
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Professional directories for qualified fire risk assessors:
- Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) – “Find an IFE Professional”
- Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) – Fire Risk Assessors directory
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HM Government fire safety guidance for duty holders:
- GOV.UK – Fire safety guidance for those with legal duties
