Physical Education Class (PE) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Behaviour and horseplay — Set clear conduct rules and consequences; enforce no-contact or controlled-contact expectations as appropriate; remove unsafe participants from play to reset; use engaging, competitive but fair structures; and build reflection routines that reward safe decision-making and teamwork.
• Cold and inclement weather exposure — Issue go/no-go thresholds for wind chill and rain; require layers, gloves and waterproofs; shorten exposure, build frequent warm-up breaks, and move to sheltered or indoor spaces if pupils are shivering or soaked. Dry wet floors and provide space to change into dry clothing promptly.
• Dehydration and heat illness — Provide regular water breaks; encourage personal bottles; schedule intense work for cooler parts of the day; use shade and rest rotations; apply sun safety such as hats and sunscreen with consent; monitor heat index signs; and suspend vigorous activity if thresholds or symptoms are reached.
• Overexertion and fatigue — Differentiate workloads using timed intervals, RPE cues and heart-rate recovery; schedule water breaks; watch for dizziness, pale skin or shortness of breath; build intensity gradually across weeks; and allow self-pace or alternative tasks for pupils returning from illness or inactivity.
• Unsafe playing surface — Inspect halls and pitches before use for wet patches, debris, trip points, loose floor tiles, holes and insufficient run-off. Sweep, mop or cordon off defects; adjust boundaries; use non-slip markers. Cancel or relocate if conditions cannot be made safe, and log issues for site teams.