Heat Risk Assessment — Schools | Summer 2026

A free, professionally structured starting-point template for headteachers and school leaders in England.

With no universal prescribed temperature and increasing scrutiny of school decision-making in hot weather, having a clear, documented risk assessment is more important than ever. This template helps you record what you've considered, what controls are in place, and why you made the decisions you did.

What's included

• Seven hazard areas — including overheating and heat illness, sunburn, outdoor events (Sports Day, trips, performances), vulnerable pupils, staff welfare, communication failures, and arrival/dismissal/transport
• Risk rating matrix (Likelihood × Severity) with colour-coded residual risk scoring
• Expanded information header — capturing Met Office warning level, UKHSA Heat-Health Alert status, forecast peak temperature, indoor room temperature concerns and local site conditions
• Daily operational checklist — 14 checks for the named SLT lead each morning during any hot period
• Decision log — record what was decided, why, who was responsible, what communication was sent and when to review
• Sign-off and review notes section
• References, copyright and disclaimer page

Key principles built in

• No universal temperature threshold — the DfE does not prescribe one. This template reflects that and supports schools in setting their own local trigger points
• Multi-factor decision-making — outdoor event decisions are framed around Met Office warnings, UKHSA alerts, forecast temperature, shade, humidity, vulnerable pupils and site conditions — not a single number
• Legally cautious language throughout — the template is not legal or health and safety advice; it is a starting point that each school must adapt and own

Informed by

DfE emergency planning guidance · HSE risk assessment guidance · UKHSA Heat-Health Alert guidance · Met Office severe weather information · AfPE safe practice guidance

All guidance should be checked for currency before use.

How to use it

1. Download the Word document (.docx)
2. Review and adapt every section to your school's specific circumstances, site conditions and pupil needs
3. Complete the school information section and set your own local trigger points
4. Share with relevant staff and obtain sign-off from your governing body or trust
5. Use the daily checklist and decision log throughout any hot period
6. Review and update whenever conditions change or an incident occurs

This template must be adapted before use. It is a starting point only. Each school, trust or employer is responsible for producing their own suitable and sufficient risk assessment. HeadteacherChat accepts no liability for the use of or reliance on this template.

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