Fire Safety

As part of the Bronze Management File you are required to have in place a comprehensive Health & Safety policy which includes information about what  to do in the event of a fire or other emergency requiring evacuation of your school.

Several supplementary schools have been asking NRCSE staff how they should go about making sure their premises our safe and their fire procedures fit for purpose. Obviously this is not a course we can offer at Resource for London because it needs to take place in the venue you use to deliver your supplementary school.

The best practice to follow is to hold a basic Fire Awareness Course at your own premises for all your staff and volunteers. You can arrange this yourselves using the fire procedures you put in place but you might also find it helpful to bring in a specialised trainer.

There are a number of organisations offering training and NRCSE’s research would suggest that a basic Fire Awareness Course should cost in the region of £150-£200 for up to 15 staff/volunteers.  This would give you the assurance that you are complying with current legislation and Fire Risk Assessments. It would also enable employers to meet their statutory insurance obligations and to protect staff and property under current Health and Safety Regulations (The 2005 Fire Regulatory Reform Act).

When booking the training make sure it includes building evacuation inc. means of escape and signage, while conducting a walk around the building identifying escape routes, fire fighting equipment, suitable refuge/muster points.

Lots more information is available on the Government website including a free downloadable Fire Safety Risk Assessment Chart

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-5-step-checklist

And a comprehensive guide to Fire Safety in Educational Premises

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-educational-premises