The Primary Science Safety Audit 2025 for primary schools is now available.
Safety is always our priority and is part of safeguarding. The safety audit for science is designed to provide the opportunity to ensure working practices are as effective as possible at reducing risks and ensuring safety of practical working, activities and that of the enhanced curriculum opportunities that exist. It should be a conversation and must be signed off for return by the headteacher.
Please download and save the newly published revised guidance for Safety in Science at Key Stages 1 and 2 fifth edition June 2025. It is important to review this document at the same time as completing the audit so any key changes you need to make in line with the revised guidance are added to your safety in science action plan for the upcoming year.
The science leader should complete the audit along with the Headteacher. Any areas identified as requiring improvement should be added to the action plan section of the form.
Please note that the completion of this audit is compulsory for Hampshire maintained schools. A small number of randomly selected schools will receive a monitoring visit in the Autumn term, and failure to submit the audit could result in a formal Health and Safety monitoring visit in the new academic year.
This is not compulsory for non-maintained schools but filling it in and returning will help build a bigger picture of the issues surrounding safe and effective practical work in Science across Hampshire, and we would appreciate your support with this.
Please see the attached Primary Science Safety Audit Guidance 2025 document to support you with preparation for completing the audit.
Your response will be sent to you via a flowback in a word document format. Please save this copy of your response for your own file and save a copy with the school’s Health and Safety Officer.
The deadline for completion is Monday 14 July 2025.
If you have any queries regarding the audit process or completion of the health and safety audit, please contact HIAS Primary Science Inspector/Adviser Emma Cooper emma.cooper3@hants.gov.uk.