School Estate Safety Inspection Checklist

Identify the buildings, rooms, plant, access routes, workplace areas and external areas included in this inspection. Exclude areas not inspected and record the reason.

Record the inspection date, areas inspected, inspector name and any accompanying persons.

Record any areas, plant or systems that could not be inspected and the reason access or inspection was not possible.

Inspect entrances, exits, corridors, stairs, ramps, walkways and other routes used by staff, pupils and visitors. Look for defects, obstructions, unsafe surfaces, damaged guarding or other conditions that could affect safe access.

Inspect floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, fixtures and fittings for damage, deterioration, instability, sharp edges, falling-object risks or other conditions that could affect a safe working environment.

Inspect plant and associated systems within the inspection scope for visible damage, unsafe condition, inadequate protection, leaks, unusual conditions or other defects. Do not operate, isolate or dismantle equipment unless authorised and competent to do so.

For each plant or system concern, record its location, identification details where available and the nature of the observed condition.

Inspect areas used by pupils, visitors, contractors or other non-employees and consider whether observed conditions could affect their safety when using the premises.

Inspect external areas within scope, including paths, yards, play areas, service areas, boundary features and access points. Record defects, obstructions, damaged surfaces, insecure features or other hazards.

For every hazard or defect identified, record a clear description, exact location, affected persons or activities, and any available photograph, drawing, asset reference or other supporting evidence.

Select the condition that best describes the inspection finding.

Where an observed condition presents an immediate concern, take or arrange an appropriate temporary control within your authority, such as restricting access, isolating the affected area or stopping use of affected plant. Do not undertake work beyond your competence or authority.

Record the immediate control applied or arranged, when it was applied, who applied it and any remaining restrictions or precautions.

Assign each remedial action to a named responsible person, role or organisation with the authority and competence to arrange or complete the action.

For each finding requiring action, record the remedial action, responsible person or organisation, target completion date if set by the school, and any dependency on specialist advice, contractor work or further assessment.

Consider whether the finding should be escalated to a school leader, premises manager, employer representative, competent adviser, contractor or other responsible person.

Record who was notified, when they were notified, the information provided and any instruction or decision received.

For plant, systems of work, access routes or workplace conditions requiring maintenance, repairs or other follow-up, verify that an appropriate action has been recorded and assigned.

When an action is reported as complete, record the completion date, person or organisation completing it, evidence reviewed and any remaining restrictions, defects or follow-up actions.

Review the inspection record and list all findings that remain open, including the responsible person, current control, next action and any required review or reinspection.

Retain the completed inspection record and supporting evidence in accordance with the school's document-control arrangements so that findings, controls, actions and close-out information can be reviewed.