Physical Education Class (PE) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• 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.
• Inadequate supervision and group ratios — Maintain age-appropriate ratios and sight-lines; zone the area and position staff to cover blind spots; pause activity when attending to an injury; account for pupils at transitions; brief support staff and coaches on roles; and avoid simultaneous high-risk drills without extra adults.
• 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.
• 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.
• Struck by balls or projectiles — Size equipment to pupils; designate throwing or striking zones and waiting areas; teach grip, stance and follow-through; insist on heads-up scanning; use soft or low-compression balls for learning; provide face or hand protection where appropriate; and stop play on stray-ball calls.