Nursery & Pre-school Fire Risk Assessment
Compare quotes from qualified fire risk assessors specialising in nurseries, pre-schools and childcare facilities. Protect your children, staff and business.
Request Free QuoteFire Risk Assessments for Nurseries and Pre-schools
If you run a nursery, pre-school or childcare facility, you have a legal duty to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Nurseries present unique fire safety challenges due to the presence of very young children who cannot self-evacuate, high staff-to-child ratios, and the need for robust emergency procedures.
FireRiskQuote helps nursery owners, managers and childcare providers connect with experienced fire risk assessors who specialise in early years and childcare premises. Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, you can submit one request and receive quotes from professionals who understand the specific requirements for nurseries.
Our service is free to use and there is no obligation to proceed. Simply compare quotes and choose the assessor that best suits your facility and requirements.
Why Nurseries Require Specialist Fire Risk Assessments
Nursery premises present specific fire safety challenges that general assessors may not fully address. Specialist fire risk assessors will consider:
- Child safety: Assessing the needs of very young children who cannot self-evacuate and require full assistance from staff.
- Evacuation procedures: Ensuring robust plans are in place for evacuating children of different ages and abilities.
- Staff-to-child ratios: Verifying that staffing levels are adequate for safe evacuation at all times.
- Evacuation equipment: Checking availability and condition of evacuation cots, mats, or buggies for non-ambulant children.
- Staff training: Ensuring all staff are trained in fire procedures and evacuation techniques for children.
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Developing individual plans for children with additional needs or disabilities.
- Means of escape: Ensuring escape routes are suitable for children and staff carrying young children.
- Fire doors: Checking that doors are not propped open and are easy for staff to open while carrying children.
- Fire detection: Verifying that fire alarm systems are appropriate for childcare settings and audible throughout.
- Emergency lighting: Ensuring escape routes are adequately illuminated, particularly during naptimes in darkened rooms.
- Fire extinguishers: Checking that appropriate fire-fighting equipment is provided and staff are trained.
- Fire blankets: Ensuring fire blankets are provided in kitchen areas.
- Kitchen safety: Assessing fire risks from catering facilities used for preparing children's meals.
- Sleeping areas: Reviewing fire safety in rooms where children nap, including additional detection and staffing.
- Play equipment: Ensuring soft play and large equipment does not obstruct escape routes.
- Storage: Reviewing storage of toys, cleaning products, and other materials.
- Signage: Ensuring fire exit signs and fire action notices are clear and at appropriate heights.
- Outdoor areas: Assessing fire safety in gardens and outdoor play areas.
- Arson risk: Considering vulnerability of premises, particularly with outdoor equipment and storage.
- Parent information: Communicating fire procedures to parents and carers.
- Ofsted requirements: Ensuring compliance with Ofsted's expectations for fire safety in early years settings.
Fire Safety Regulations for Nurseries
Nurseries are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and are regulated by Ofsted. Key requirements include:
- Fire risk assessment: A valid, up-to-date fire risk assessment is required.
- Means of escape: Escape routes must be adequate and kept clear at all times.
- Fire detection: An appropriate fire detection and warning system must be installed (typically category L1 covering all areas).
- Emergency lighting: Required where escape routes are not adequately lit.
- Fire extinguishers: Appropriate fire-fighting equipment must be provided.
- Fire blankets: Should be provided in kitchen areas.
- Fire doors: Doors on escape routes must be fire-resisting and easy to operate.
- Signage: Fire exit signs and fire action notices must be clearly displayed.
- Emergency plan: A clear emergency plan must be in place, including procedures for evacuating children.
- Evacuation drills: Regular drills must be practiced, including at different times of day (including naptimes).
- Staff training: All staff must receive fire safety training, including evacuation procedures.
- Electrical safety: Regular testing of portable appliances and fixed installations.
- Gas safety: Annual gas safety inspection required if gas appliances are present.
- Ofsted compliance: The fire risk assessment must be available for inspection and demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Properties We Cover
Our network of assessors covers all types of childcare premises including:
- Day nurseries
- Pre-schools and playgroups
- Montessori nurseries
- Forest schools
- Children's day care centres
- Crèches
- Out-of-school clubs
- Holiday play schemes
- Breakfast and after-school clubs
- Childminders (with multiple assistants in non-domestic premises)
- Nursery schools
- Early years centres
Why Use FireRiskQuote for Your Nursery?
- Free quote comparison: No cost to you, no obligation to proceed.
- Specialist nursery assessors: Connect with assessors who understand childcare premises and child safety.
- Evacuation expertise: Assessors experienced with planning for non-ambulant children.
- Compliance focus: Get an assessment that meets fire authority and Ofsted expectations.
- Fast responses: Receive quotes quickly from professionals in your area.
- Nationwide coverage: Assessors available across the whole UK.
How Our Service Works
- Submit your nursery details using our online quote form.
- We send your request to fire risk assessors specialising in childcare premises.
- Receive quotes from qualified professionals.
- Compare options and choose the assessor that suits your needs.
Request a Nursery Fire Risk Assessment Quote
If you require a fire risk assessment for your nursery, pre-school or childcare facility, you can request quotes quickly using our online form. Our service is free, confidential and designed to help you connect with experienced fire risk assessors.
Request Free Nursery Fire Risk Assessment QuotesNursery & Pre-school Fire Risk Assessment ‐ Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fire risk assessment required for my nursery?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises including nurseries must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This is also a requirement for Ofsted registration and inspection.
How much does a nursery fire risk assessment cost?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the premises. Smaller nurseries may cost from around £200-£350, while larger facilities, those with multiple rooms, or those on multiple levels will cost more. Quotes are always free and no-obligation.
How often should a nursery fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed annually and updated whenever significant changes occur, such as building alterations, changes to room layouts, new children with additional needs, or following a fire incident.
How often should we practice fire drills?
Nurseries should practice fire drills at least termly, and at different times of day including during naptimes when children may be sleeping. Records of all drills must be kept for Ofsted inspection.
What type of fire alarm system does a nursery need?
Nurseries typically require a category L1 fire alarm system with automatic detection throughout the building, including all rooms where children may be present.
How do we evacuate non-ambulant children or babies?
Your fire risk assessment should include specific procedures for evacuating children who cannot walk, including the use of evacuation cots, cribs, or mats. Staff must be trained in these procedures and equipment must be readily available.
What about fire safety during naptimes?
Additional precautions may be needed during naptimes, including enhanced staffing, additional detection, and clear procedures for waking and evacuating sleeping children.
Do we need emergency lighting in sleep rooms?
Yes, emergency lighting is required in all escape routes and areas where children may be present, including sleep rooms, to ensure safe evacuation if the power fails.
What does Ofsted look for regarding fire safety?
Ofsted inspectors will expect to see a valid fire risk assessment, evidence that recommendations are implemented, staff training records, fire drill records, and maintenance records for fire safety equipment. They will also observe staff awareness and practice.
Can I do the fire risk assessment myself?
While it is legal to carry out your own fire risk assessment, nurseries have complex requirements for child safety, evacuation of non-ambulant children, and Ofsted compliance. Using a qualified specialist ensures all risks are properly identified and helps demonstrate due diligence to Ofsted and fire authorities.