School Works RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a School Works RAMS

Safeguarding and DBS requirements

Any contractor working on a school site has the potential for contact with children. The school's safeguarding policy will set out which roles require a DBS Enhanced Disclosure — typically any worker who may have unsupervised contact with pupils. The RAMS must confirm how DBS compliance is managed: either all workers on site hold a current DBS, or a supervised working arrangement is in place that guarantees no unsupervised child contact at any time. The RAMS must name the contractor's Safeguarding Lead (or confirm responsibility is held by a named manager) and reference the school's safeguarding and child protection policy. Schools will typically require DBS evidence before granting site access.

Pupil exclusion and segregation

The RAMS must describe the physical and procedural measures that prevent pupils from entering the work area. Hoarding and fencing must be robust, with no gaps or footholds that could allow a child to climb or squeeze through. Signage must be at child height as well as adult height. All gates and access doors into the work area must be secured when not in use — padlocks are preferred over push-bar releases that a child could operate. The contractor must not leave tools, materials, or hazardous substances unattended in areas accessible to pupils, even briefly.

Delivery restrictions and term-time working

Deliveries to school sites during school hours create pedestrian-vehicle conflicts on routes used by pupils, parents, and staff. The RAMS must confirm: delivery times (before school starts, after school finishes, or during school holidays only, as agreed with the school); the access route for delivery vehicles (clearly separated from the pedestrian routes used by pupils); banksman requirements for reversing vehicles on or adjacent to the school site; and the school's specific procedures for gate access, vehicle checks, and delivery sign-in. Term-time working restrictions on noisy or disruptive tasks must be agreed with the headteacher before works commence.

Asbestos in older school buildings

A large proportion of UK schools were built between 1945 and 1985, during the period of widespread asbestos use in construction. Asbestos-insulating board ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, floor tiles, and roof sheets are common in older school buildings. The duty holder (usually the local authority or academy trust) must provide the contractor with the asbestos register and a plan showing the location and condition of all identified ACMs before any intrusive works begin. The RAMS must confirm that the operative has received the asbestos information, understands the no-disturbance rule for ACMs in good condition, and knows the emergency response procedure if unexpected ACMs are encountered during work.