Fire Safety Training for School and Nursery Staff

Fire Safety Training for Schools

Fire safety training for schools is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, ensuring all teaching and support staff understand how to prevent fires, use equipment safely and evacuate pupils quickly and effectively.

This course provides school staff with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately in a fire emergency.

Learners explore how fires start, how they spread within school buildings, and the common hazards found in classrooms, corridors, science labs, kitchens and storage areas. The training covers the fire triangle, early warning signs and practical steps staff can take to reduce risk.

Participants will learn how to respond to a fire, raise the alarm, and support a safe evacuation, including assisting pupils with SEND or limited mobility. The course also covers fire alarm procedures, assembly points, roll calls and communicating with the emergency services.

Staff will be introduced to the main types of fire extinguishers, their colour codes and safe use, with clear guidance on when it is appropriate — and when it is not — to attempt firefighting.

This training strengthens compliance, improves emergency preparedness and ensures school teams are equipped to act calmly, confidently and in line with UK fire safety legislation.



Group Booking Only for 5+ Onsite
school fire safety training

Fire Safety Training for Schools Course Outline

1. Understanding Fire Basics

  • Explain the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen) and how removing any element prevents ignition.

  • Describe how fire behaves in school environments, including the impact of building layout, ventilation, fuel sources and heat transfer.

  • Highlight common school fire risks such as classrooms, science labs, kitchens and storage areas.

2. Actions When Discovering a Fire

  • Identify the immediate steps to take when a fire is discovered, prioritising pupil and staff safety.

  • Emphasise the importance of raising the alarm quickly, alerting colleagues and activating emergency procedures.

  • Outline safe decision‑making: when to evacuate, when to close doors, and when not to attempt firefighting.

3. Responding to Fire Alarms

  • Recognise the different alarm tones or signals used within school settings.

  • Follow the correct evacuation procedure, including supporting pupils with SEND or limited mobility.

  • Understand staff roles during evacuation: sweep checks, assembly points, registers and communication with the fire service.

4. Fire Extinguisher Types and Safe Use

  • Identify the main fire extinguisher types, their colour codes and what each is designed for.

  • Match extinguisher types to appropriate school fire scenarios (e.g., electrical equipment, paper/cardboard, flammable liquids in labs).

  • Demonstrate safe extinguisher use using the P.A.S.S. technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), including when it is and isn’t safe to attempt firefighting.

 

  • Explain the fire triangle and how removing an element prevents ignition.
  • Describe how fire spreads within school buildings and common fuel sources.
  • Identify typical fire hazards in classrooms, labs, kitchens and storage areas.
  • State the immediate actions to take when discovering a fire.
  • Demonstrate how to raise the alarm and initiate emergency procedures.
  • Make safe decisions about evacuation and when not to attempt firefighting.
  • Recognise the fire alarm tones or signals used in the school.
  • Follow the correct evacuation procedure, including supporting SEND pupils.
  • Describe staff roles during evacuation and assembly point management.
  • Identify extinguisher types, colour codes and suitable fire classes.
  • Demonstrate safe extinguisher use using the P.A.S.S. technique.

This course is tailored for schools. If you’re looking for our standard course, visit our Fire Safety Training  page.

    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Format: Face‑to‑face or Virtual
    • Certificate:  Certificate of awareness
    • Prior Experience: None
    • Max. Number of Participants: 12
    • Theory Only (Practical on Request)

    The course can be combined with fire warden training or fire marshal training. If you would need to train staff on the use of fire extinguisher, please discuss this with one of our course advisors.

Who is the Course For?

This course is designed for anyone working in a UK school who has a role in keeping pupils safe during a fire incident.

In practical terms, that includes:

  • Teachers – classroom teachers, subject specialists, supply teachers
  • Support staff – teaching assistants, learning support, SEND support
  • Administrative and office staff – reception, attendance, admin teams
  • Site and facilities teams – caretakers, premises managers, cleaning staff
  • Lunchtime and break‑time supervisors
  • After‑school club staff and wraparound care teams
  • Leadership teams – SLT, heads of year, safeguarding leads

New starters and agency staff who need induction‑level fire safety awareness

It’s suitable for all staff, regardless of experience, and supports compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires schools to ensure employees are trained to prevent fires, use equipment safely and evacuate pupils effectively.

Benefits of Fire Safety for School Staff and the Organisation

Legal & Compliance Assurance

  • Meets statutory duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

  • Provides audit‑ready evidence for Ofsted, local authorities and governing bodies.

  • Supports insurance compliance, helping reduce premiums through documented staff training.

Safer School Environments

  • Reduces fire risks by improving staff awareness of hazards in classrooms, labs, kitchens and storage areas.

  • Strengthens arson prevention, teaching staff to identify security weaknesses and manage external waste safely.

  • Improves housekeeping standards, ensuring safe storage of paper, chemicals and other combustible materials.

Confident Emergency Response

  • Creates rapid, coordinated evacuation routines, replacing panic with calm, practised actions.

  • Enhances pupil protection, including safe support for disabled or vulnerable pupils through PEEPs.

  • Prevents extinguisher misuse, ensuring staff understand fire classes and avoid actions that could worsen electrical or chemical fires.

Whole‑School Operational Benefits

  • Builds consistent staff competence across teaching, support, admin and site teams.

  • Minimises disruption by reducing the likelihood and impact of fire‑related incidents.

  • Demonstrates strong safeguarding culture, reinforcing the school’s commitment to pupil safety.

How Our Onsite Fire Safety Training for Schools Works

Our onsite fire safety training is delivered at your school, allowing staff to learn in their own working environment with minimal disruption.

  • Training at your school – We deliver the course at your primary school, secondary school, academy or college anywhere in the UK.
  • Convenient scheduling – Sessions can be arranged on dates and times that fit around the school day, INSET days or staff development programmes.
  • School-focused content – Training is tailored to the fire risks and procedures relevant to educational settings, including classrooms, science laboratories, kitchens and assembly areas.
  • Practical learning – Staff take part in interactive activities, realistic scenarios and trainer-led discussions to reinforce key fire safety principles.
  • Relevant guidance – Examples and case studies are based on situations commonly encountered in schools, helping learners apply their knowledge confidently.
  • Team participation – The course encourages questions, discussion and shared learning to promote a coordinated response during a fire emergency.
  • Certificate of completion – Every participant receives a certificate on successful completion of the training.

What You Need to Put in Place

To help your onsite fire safety training run efficiently, please have the following in place before the session:

  • Suitable training room – A quiet room with enough seating and space for all attendees.
  • Presentation facilities – Access to a screen or projector is helpful, although trainers can provide equipment if required.
  • Staff attendance – Ensure all participants are available for the full course and free from interruptions where possible.
  • Refreshments – Drinking water and, if available, tea and coffee for delegates and the trainer.
  • Site information – Let us know about any site-specific fire procedures, access arrangements or health and safety requirements before the training.
  • School procedures – Sharing your school’s fire evacuation plan or emergency procedures helps us make the training as relevant as possible.
  • On-the-day contact – Please nominate a member of staff to welcome the trainer, provide access to the training room and assist if needed during the session.

Why Choose Caring for Care?

Booking fire safety training with Caring for Care helps your school meet its legal responsibilities, protect pupils, staff and visitors, and build confidence in responding to fire emergencies. Key benefits include improved compliance, sector-specific guidance and practical fire safety skills.

Other reasons to book with us:

  • 13,500+ Five-Star Reviews – Trusted by healthcare and education professionals across the UK for delivering high-quality, engaging training.
  • 30,000+ Learners Trained Each Year – We provide accredited training to thousands of professionals annually, helping organisations improve safety, compliance and confidence.
  • Experienced Trainers – Our trainers have real-world experience and deliver practical, interactive sessions that staff can apply immediately.
  • High-Quality, Accredited Training – Our courses are designed to meet current UK legislation and recognised best practice.
  • Flexible Onsite Delivery – We deliver training at your school, academy or education setting at a time that works for your staff.
  • Interactive Learning – Sessions include practical examples, discussion and real-life scenarios to keep learners engaged and build confidence.
  • Dedicated Support – From booking through to certification, our team provides a straightforward and professional service every step of the way.


fire safety courses for employees

School Fire Safety Course FAQs

1. How often should school staff do fire training?


School staff should complete fire safety training at least once a year, with additional refreshers whenever procedures change, new risks are identified or new staff join. Regular training ensures everyone understands their responsibilities, evacuation routes and emergency actions, helping the school remain compliant and prepared.

School staff should receive training covering fire prevention, recognising hazards, actions to take when discovering a fire, evacuation procedures, alarm signals, assembly point management and safe extinguisher use. Training should also include supporting vulnerable pupils, such as those requiring PEEPs, to ensure safe and inclusive evacuation practices.

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, schools must ensure all staff receive appropriate fire safety instruction. Pupils must also take part in regular fire drills so they understand how to evacuate safely. This combined training ensures legal compliance and strengthens whole‑school emergency readiness.

The legally recognised duty holder is the Responsible Person, typically the headteacher, principal or governing body. They may appoint a Competent Person, such as a site manager or fire marshal, to manage daily fire safety tasks, but overall legal responsibility for compliance and safety remains with the Responsible Person.

Most fire safety training for schools takes around two to three hours, covering prevention, emergency actions and evacuation procedures. Some schools schedule longer sessions if practical extinguisher use or additional role‑specific responsibilities are included.

Yes. Anyone working with pupils or present during the school day must receive basic fire safety instruction, including evacuation routes and alarm procedures. This ensures consistent responses and legal compliance across all temporary or visiting staff.

Fire safety training gives all staff the knowledge to prevent fires, recognise hazards and respond safely in an emergency. Fire marshal training is designed for nominated personnel and covers additional responsibilities, including managing evacuations, checking designated areas and the safe use of fire extinguishers.

Schools should run fire drills at least once per term to ensure pupils and staff can evacuate quickly and calmly. Additional drills may be needed after layout changes, new building work or updates to evacuation procedures.

Training can be delivered face‑to‑face or online, depending on school preference. Practical elements, such as extinguisher use or site‑specific evacuation practice, are usually more effective when completed in person.

Schools must keep training records, fire drill logs, risk assessments, equipment maintenance reports and evacuation plans. These documents provide evidence for inspections and demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation.

New starters should learn alarm signals, evacuation routes, assembly points, fire‑raising procedures and their responsibilities during an emergency. Early training ensures they can respond confidently from their first day.

The fire risk assessment identifies hazards, evacuation needs and control measures. Training should reflect these findings so staff understand specific risks within their building and the actions required to keep pupils safe.

Yes. Schools receive a significant discount when Fire Safety is combined with the Fire Warden course for a full‑day, or paired with any half‑day course such as Anaphylaxis, Basic Life Support, Safeguarding Children or Infection Control. This saves over 40% on training costs for a full-day, same day, same venue.

You can also book two half‑day courses for up to 24 staff and save more than 40%. Pricing typically works out at £29 per person (ex VAT), helping reduce logistics costs and making rota planning much easier for your team.

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