Physical Education Class (PE) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment — Operate an equipment register with scheduled inspections for posts, mats, balls and small items. Remove damaged kit immediately, tag and report faults, maintain padding and fixings, and store safely on trolleys. Staff and pupils are briefed to report concerns without delay.
• Lack of adaptation for additional needs — Consult care plans, parents and specialists; adapt rules, distances, equipment and roles; provide visual cues and repeatable routines; allocate buddies; brief peers on inclusive play; and pre-teach skills individually so pupils with SEND participate meaningfully without undue risk exposure.
• Safeguarding and changing rooms — Ensure appropriate adult presence without intruding on privacy; use gender-appropriate or inclusive spaces; manage entry and exit points; enforce no devices policy; stagger groups to reduce crowding; and follow reporting procedures for concerns, with all staff trained in safeguarding basics.
• Inadequate emergency response and first aid — Ensure a qualified first aider, stocked kits and ice are on hand; carry a charged phone or radio; display grid reference or what3words; brief evacuation routes; practise summon-and-stay protocols; record incidents and near misses; and review controls after each significant event.
• Manual handling of heavy equipment — Risk-assess large items; use trolleys for posts and mats; apply team lifts with clear commands; keep routes clear; only trained staff or older pupils lift heavier objects; and store at accessible heights to avoid overreach. Stop and seek help if loads are unstable or beyond safe limits.