Education sector health and safety specialists
Health and Safety Consultants for Schools, Academies & MATs
We provide a wide range of health and safety services in the education sector, from primary schools, to academies, multi academy trusts and independent schools.
We act as your competent person for health and safety in schools, delivering audits, risk assessments, fire risk assessments, health and safety policies and advice. Our support is flexible around your needs and delivered by our team of dedicated, highly qualified, health and safety consultants.
Whether you need a one-off health and safety audit, a policy/performance review, or a service level agreement across a range of your premises, we will develop a package of support based precisely on your needs.
Find out how we help:
Why Health & Safety matters in Education
The core purpose of any school is the education and safeguarding of children. However, schools can present complex and varying health and safety risks, which is where we are able to act as your trusted health and safety advisors and competent person for health and safety.
Risks that we help manage for schools, colleges, universities & academies include;
- Contractor management and construction
- Fire safety and fire risk assessment
- School trips and offsite activities
- Occupational stress
- Premises safety (fire, gas, legionella, asbestos, electrical safety, contractor management, work at height).
For independent schools and multi-academy trusts, as the organisation is the employer, you will take on legal liability for the school operations, health and safety and premises. We will provide advice and support in a straightforward and easy to understand way, providing assurance for you and the directors.
How Vita Safety Can Help
Expert health and safety services tailored for Schools, Academies and MATs
Training courses specifically designed for schools and academies;, including managing asbestos, managing contractors, risk assessment for special events & school trips, fire safety, property risk management and first aid.
Whilst several risks at schools are similar, we understand you may have additional hazards and factors to consider. We work closely with school business managers, bursars and estates directors to develop health and safety training that is effective and practical.
A range of compliance audits, tailored to your institution to ensure the safety of your pupils, colleagues, contractors and visitors. Our bespoke audit approaches include:
- Strategic health and safety review: A strategic view of the management of health and safety and compliance across larger organisations with multiple schools, such as for multi-academy trusts.
- Single site/school health and safety compliance audits: A full detailed audit of all your health and safety arrangements based on all relevant safety, property and fire regulations.
- Single department or topic audits. For example, a detailed audit of your science department.
- Health and safety audits to benchmark against know standards, such as ISO 45001 or HS(G)65.
We help to develop your policies, procedures, handbooks and education specific health and safety management systems. We use the latest technology to help you manage policies, procedures and facilities management online.
We act as your competent person for health and safety, as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Our service includes:
- On demand phone and email advice.
- Named qualified competent health and safety advisors.
- Board reports.
- Health and safety audits.
- Health and safety training.
- Fire risk assessments
Why Schools choose Vita Safety
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FlexibilityHealth and safety support that is as flexible as your institution, adapting and changing as you grow. Assurance that you’re always protected and in control, even in times of change.
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Peace of MindExpert support services, benchmarked against national and international standards. Be sure that you’re fully compliant with health and safety guidance and legislation.
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AssuranceFeel confident that you’re always doing your utmost to look after the physical and mental health of your staff and students.
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DevelopmentAccredited health and safety training for your leaders that does more than just tick boxes. It’s engaging and enjoyable while delivering essential skills and knowledge.
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ControlEnabling your staff to competently and effectively take control of health and safety in your business with expertise and autonomy. Minimise risks and keep your staff and students safe from hazards, injuries and illnesses.
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Unique to YouEvery school is unique. We listen to what you need and build bespoke service packages to match your specifications and requirements exactly.
Building relationships that last
Change for growth and good
We build long-term partnerships with our clients based on mutual trust and respect. Discover what our valued clients have to say about the support and services we provide.
“Since 2021, Vita Safety have been a reliable source of support for Webster Primary School. They have taken the time to understand how our school operates and work with us in a way that feels collaborative rather than prescriptive.”
We value the reassurance of knowing that competent advice is always available and that any concerns can be discussed openly and acted on quickly. Their training and practical guidance for our staff have strengthened our confidence in managing day-to-day safety matters and keeping our systems up to date.”
Clair Wain, School Business Manager, Webster Primary School
“Crossacres Primary Academy has partnered with Vita Safety since 2020, and during that time they have supported us in developing a clear and practical approach to health and safety across the school. From carrying out in-depth audits and fire risk assessments to helping us shape and update our policies, their work has given us a structured framework that fits the realities of a busy primary setting.
“Their recommendations are realistic, well explained and focused on helping us make steady, meaningful improvements. We know we can pick up the phone whenever we need guidance, and that ongoing support has been invaluable. Their input has helped us maintain high standards and create a safe environment where our whole school community can feel confident.”
Dale Farnell, Site Manager, Crossacres Primary Academy School
Common Health & Safety Issues We Solve
Our work with schools and education clients helps to manage residual risks you often associate with your operations.
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Outdated risk assessments
We help to develop robust contractor health and safety management systems.
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Fire Protection
Our fire risk assessment support ensurers that your students, colleagues and visitors are kept safe and buildings are protected.
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Staff Training
Practical and realistic training means that your leadership and estates teams can effectively self-manage health and safety without over reliance on individuals.
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Supporting Documentation
Access to a range of templates, documentation, policies and software, ensure that you can control records and prove assurance to authorities, insurers and regulators.
Case Study
Imperial College London
Whilst the university has its own internal resources for risk management, the recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Robert Kerse, approached us to gain an independent view on the current status of property risk management.
Read our Case StudyLatest blogs
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Shaping the Future of Health and Safety Leadership: What Boards and Directors Need to Know in 2026
Aug 11 2026Martyn's Law is set to introduce new responsibilities for education settings. Now is the ideal time for schools and trusts to begin understanding what it means and how they can prepare.Read MoreBlog -
Martyn’s Law for Schools: What Education Settings Need to Know
Jul 29 2026Martyn's Law is set to introduce new responsibilities for education settings. Now is the ideal time for schools and trusts to begin understanding what it means and how they can prepare.Read MoreBlog -
Benedict’s Law Explained: Allergy Safety Requirements for Schools in 2026
Jul 27 2026Protecting pupils has always been at the heart of school life. However Benedict's Law will bring greater consistency to how schools identify, manage and respond to allergy risks.Read MoreBlog
Our Trusted Partner
One Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?
The employer, or in the case of independent schools, the proprietor, is accountable for the health and safety of school staff and pupils. The Headteacher and school management team will usually be responsible for the day-today implementation of the health and safety arrangements.
How is health and safety monitored and maintained in schools?
Schools should regularly review and monitor their health and safety policies to reduce risks. Active monitoring will such as inspections and safety tours will provide schools with feedback on health and safety performance and compliance with policy objectives. Reactive monitoring such as investigating incidents and collation of accident and incident data will allow the school to learn from mistakes and prevent recurrence.
What are the legal health and safety requirements for schools and trusts?
Health and safety law requires schools to appoint a competent person to help them meet they meet their health and safety duties. The competent person can be an internal colleague, external consultant / company or as part of the local authority service and must have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to provide guidance on managing the health and safety risks at the school.
What is the role of the HSE in schools?
The HSE works with Education stakeholders to ensure that education duty holders are managing any significant risks arising from school activities and the premises.
How often should a school conduct a health and safety audit or risk assessment?
A standard frequency for audits and risk assessments is annually which helps ensure they are being treated as live documents. The frequency may increase depending on any significant changes, incidents, introduction of new legislation or change in activities carried out on the premises.
What is the RIDDOR policy in schools?
The RIDDOR policy in schools will document how the school will comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 to the HSE. This legislation requires reporting of certain accidents diseases and dangerous occurrences arising out of or in connection with work.
What health and safety training should schools provide for staff?
Schools must ensure staff receive appropriate information and training about health and safety to assess risks specific to their job and meet their roles and responsibilities as identified within the H&S policy.
What is a school risk assessment?
Carrying out a risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The school risk assessment must identify what could cause injury or ill health, evaluate the likelihood of harm from occurring and put in place suitable controls to eliminate or reduce the risk. Findings must be recorded which includes the hazards, how people might be harmed by them and what they have in place to control risk.
Who we Work With
We support a wide range of educational settings across the UK, providing practical, compliant health and safety solutions tailored to each environment. From single schools to large trusts and higher education institutions, our approach is built around the specific operational, regulatory and safeguarding challenges you face.
Primary Schools
We support primary schools of all sizes with tailored health and safety advice, ensuring you protect pupils, staff and visitors while meeting your legal duties. Our services include personalised risk assessments, audits and bespoke policies that reflect your school’s needs.
Secondary Schools
Secondary schools present a wide range of health and safety challenges. We help you manage risks across enhanced campus environments, specialist facilities and extended activities, with solutions that keep your community safe and compliant.
Multi Academy Trusts
We work with MAT leaders and central teams to deliver customised, yet consistent health and safety management across all schools in your trust, from compliance frameworks and audits to strategic oversight, helping you manage risk at scale.
Independent / Private Education
Our support for independent schools is designed around your specific operational needs. We combine sector expertise with a practical approach to help you manage risk, protect your pupils and staff, and maintain high standards of safety across your estate.
Universities and Further Education
For universities and colleges, we offer fully customised health and safety solutions that reflect the diversity and complexity of higher education environments. From student accommodation and laboratories to events, extracurricular activities and campus facilities.
Get in touch with our expert school support team
If you’re looking for expert support with health and safety in your school, we can help.
By outsourcing your health and safety management with Vita Safety, you get the immediate support you need now, and a partner to help you take control of health and safety in your school for the future.
We get to know you and your school and provide comprehensive health and safety support that is just what you need to keep your staff and students safe.
Fill in our contact form, let us know what health and safety challenges you’re facing, and we’ll get back to you by the end of the next working day.
Landmark House, Station Rd, Cheadle Hulme,
Cheadle SK8 7BS
