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Safe outdoor classrooms | 5 risk assessment tips for school leaders
Written by Maria Leonard on 29 April 2025
With Outdoor Classroom Day returning on 8 May and 6 November 2025, many schools will once again embrace the opportunity to move lessons outside and engage pupils in more active, experiential learning.
The educational value of outdoor classrooms is well established – improved focus, increased physical activity, and stronger engagement – but as every senior leader knows, they also introduce a unique set of risks.
Whether you’re planning a whole-school event or looking to embed outdoor learning more broadly into your curriculum, robust risk management is essential.
Here are five key risk assessment tips to support headteachers and school leadership teams in delivering safe and effective outdoor learning.
1. Walk the site – don’t assume it’s safe
Familiar outdoor spaces like fields or playgrounds are often assumed to be low-risk, but it’s important that they’re assessed in the same way as any other learning environment.
Before any activity takes place:
- Check for trip hazards, structural issues, or broken surfaces.
- Check for any foreign debris, e.g. broken glass or needles.
- Review boundaries and access points.
- Consider visibility and how easily pupils can be supervised.
Leadership action: Assign responsibility to a competent member of staff to carry out regular inspections and encourage staff to flag any new concerns.
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2. Consider environmental and seasonal risks
Outdoor conditions can change rapidly, and your risk assessment should reflect that. Key factors include:
- Weather conditions (e.g. high UV, icy surfaces, or heavy rain);
- Seasonal hazards (e.g. slippery leaves, pollen, wasps); and
- Light levels if learning takes place later in the day.
Leadership tip: Build flexibility into your outdoor learning plans, including alternative arrangements or postponement procedures where needed.
3. Review supervision and communication
Supervision expectations often differ outdoors, particularly where visibility or boundaries are less defined.
Ensure your assessment includes:
- Appropriate adult-to-pupil ratios based on activity type and age group;
- Clear delegation of responsibilities among staff; and
- Agreed communication methods in case of an incident or regrouping.
Leadership action: Designate a lead staff member for each activity and ensure all involved are briefed on protocols and expectations.
4. Plan for individual needs and inclusion
All pupils should have access to outdoor learning, but additional planning will be required for those with specific needs.
Risk assessments should consider:
- Pupils with medical conditions (e.g. asthma, allergies);
- Those with SEND or EHCPs who may require additional support; and
- Behavioural needs that could present challenges in open environments.
Leadership tip: Involve your SENCO or pastoral leads early to ensure all needs are met and appropriate adjustments are in place.
5. Keep assessments proportionate but defensible
While it’s important not to let paperwork stifle creativity, any risk assessment must stand up to scrutiny in the event of an incident.
Make sure your documentation:
- Is clear, concise, and reviewed regularly;
- Reflects the nature of the activity and setting;
- Includes dates, version control, and the names of responsible persons; and
- Has been communicated to staff, with confirmation that they have read and understood it.
Ensure that any additional controls identified in the risk assessment are implemented and clearly delegate responsibility for each action.
Leadership action: Embed a consistent format across your school for recording and storing assessments, and ensure staff understand how to use it.
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Empowering staff, protecting pupils
Outdoor learning is an incredibly powerful tool — and with the right planning and support, it can be delivered confidently and safely.
At WorkNest, we support hundreds of schools with their health and safety responsibilities – helping ensure compliance while identifying sensible, proportionate solutions that protect staff and pupils without getting in the way.
Whether you need help reviewing outdoor risk assessments or guidance on any other aspect of health and safety management, our comprehensive fixed-fee service combines expert advice, tailored documentation, hands-on support, and software – enabling you to manage your responsibilities proactively, whatever your lesson plans involve.
For more information and to discuss your specific needs, get in touch with our specialist Education Team on 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below.
