Home › Education › SEN Risk Assessment
SEN Risk Assessment — Individual Pupil Safety Plans in Minutes
Every UK school with SEN pupils needs individual pupil risk assessments under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice 2015. Describe the pupil's needs — medical, behavioural, physical, sensory — and we generate a complete, compliant SEN risk assessment instantly.
Used by SENCOs, headteachers, and teaching staff in mainstream and special schools across the UK
⚠️ Pupil with complex medical needs or behaviour that challenges? Mention emergency medication (EpiPen, buccal midazolam, insulin), known triggers, de-escalation strategies, and physical intervention procedures — we will include all of it with full regulatory references.
Legal requirements for SEN risk assessments
The Equality Act 2010 places a legal duty on schools to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, which includes pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Section 20 of the Act requires schools to take positive steps to ensure that disabled pupils can fully participate in the education provided by the school and are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to their peers.
The SEND Code of Practice 2015 (published under the Children and Families Act 2014) requires schools to identify, assess and make provision for all pupils with SEN. Chapter 6 of the Code states that schools must assess the individual needs of each pupil with SEN and put in place arrangements to support them. This includes a written individual pupil risk assessment where a pupil's condition, disability or behaviour presents specific risks to themselves or others.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require schools to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all activities. For pupils with SEN, this means a specific, individual assessment that considers the pupil's unique needs and the control measures required to keep them safe. The HSE guidance on risk assessment legal requirements confirms that schools must assess risks to pupils, staff and others.
The Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions statutory guidance (DfE 2015) requires schools to have arrangements in place to support pupils with medical needs. This includes individual healthcare plans (IHCPs) for pupils with complex or long-term medical conditions. A SEN risk assessment often sits alongside an IHCP and documents the emergency procedures, staff training, and medication administration arrangements required.
Ofsted inspects schools' arrangements for SEN pupils under the Education Inspection Framework. Inspectors will look for evidence that the school has identified pupils' needs, put appropriate support in place, and documented the risks and controls in writing. A missing or inadequate SEN risk assessment is a safeguarding concern and can result in a downgraded inspection rating.
How it works
1. Describe the pupil's needs
Tell us the pupil's age, year group, condition or disability (autism, ADHD, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, etc.), specific needs (communication, mobility, medical, behaviour), known triggers, and any emergency procedures required. The more detail you provide, the more specific and useful the assessment will be. If you need help, the ultimate guide to risk assessment explains what to include.
2. We write it for you
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant individual pupil risk assessment referencing the Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice 2015, and Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions guidance. It includes all relevant hazards, control measures, staff training requirements, and emergency procedures.
3. Download and use immediately
Download as PDF and Word. Share it with class teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff. File it in the pupil's SEN records. Present it to Ofsted, governors, or the local authority. £29, no subscription, ready to use immediately.
What it covers
Every SEN risk assessment is written in full — covering all hazards and control measures specific to the individual pupil.
Medical needs — epilepsy, diabetes, severe allergies, asthma
Emergency medication — EpiPen, buccal midazolam, insulin, inhalers
Behaviour that challenges — triggers, de-escalation, safe spaces
Physical intervention and restraint procedures (positive handling)
Autism and sensory needs — sensory breaks, quiet spaces, communication support
ADHD — supervision, risk of absconding, impulsive behaviour
Physical disabilities — moving and handling, wheelchair access, personal care
Toileting and intimate care — dignity, safeguarding, trained staff
Communication needs — Makaton, PECS, visual timetables, communication aids
Feeding and eating — choking risk, PEG feeding, dietary requirements
Evacuation procedures — PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan)
Off-site trips and activities — transport, supervision ratios, access to medication
Staff training requirements — Team Teach, epilepsy training, manual handling
Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice 2015 compliance
Works for all SEN needs
From autism and ADHD to complex medical needs and physical disabilities, Anyrisks covers every type of SEN pupil.
What customers say
"We had a new pupil with complex epilepsy join mid-year. Anyrisks gave me a complete individual risk assessment in minutes — covering buccal midazolam, staff training, and evacuation procedures. Saved me hours and it was exactly what we needed for the EHCP review."
Rachel M.
SENCO, primary school, West Midlands
"I used it for a Year 8 pupil with autism who was struggling with transitions and sensory overload. The assessment included sensory breaks, communication strategies, and a detailed behaviour plan. It made a real difference to staff confidence and the pupil has settled much better."
James T.
Assistant headteacher, secondary school, South East
"We needed individual risk assessments for three pupils with physical disabilities ahead of an Ofsted inspection. Anyrisks covered moving and handling, personal care, PEEPs, and dignity in care. Inspectors were satisfied and it took me less than 10 minutes to produce all three."
Emma L.
Headteacher, special school, Yorkshire
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers medical, behavioural, physical and sensory needs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Emergency medication and procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| De-escalation and physical intervention strategies | ✓ | ✗ |
| Staff training requirements specified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Is an individual pupil risk assessment a legal requirement for SEN pupils?
Yes — the Equality Act 2010 requires schools to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 requires schools to identify and assess the needs of pupils with special educational needs. An individual pupil risk assessment documents how the school will manage the specific risks associated with a pupil's condition or disability, including medical needs, behaviour that challenges, and mobility requirements.
Who is responsible for writing SEN risk assessments in schools?
The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) typically leads on individual pupil risk assessments, working with class teachers, teaching assistants, parents, and external specialists such as occupational therapists or educational psychologists. The headteacher is ultimately responsible for ensuring risk assessments are in place for all SEN pupils.
Does it cover pupils with autism, ADHD and behaviour needs?
Yes — describe the pupil's condition, behaviour that challenges, sensory needs, communication difficulties, and any known triggers. The assessment will include de-escalation strategies, sensory breaks, communication support, and physical intervention procedures where necessary.
Can I use it for pupils with physical disabilities?
Yes — mention the pupil's mobility needs, wheelchair use, manual handling requirements, toileting and personal care needs, and any specialist equipment. The assessment will cover moving and handling, evacuation procedures, accessibility, and dignity in care.
Does it cover medical needs like epilepsy, diabetes or severe allergies?
Yes — describe the pupil's medical condition, medication, emergency procedures (e.g. buccal midazolam for seizures, insulin administration, EpiPen use), and staff training requirements. The assessment will include medical emergency procedures, staff competence, and first aid arrangements in line with the Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions guidance (DfE 2015).
Is it accepted by Ofsted and local authorities?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced individual pupil risk assessment in the standard format expected by Ofsted inspectors, local authority SEN teams, and safeguarding panels. The format is professional and demonstrates compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the pupil's condition, needs, and known risks, and Anyrisks produces a complete, UK-compliant SEN risk assessment instantly.
Can I use it for off-site trips and activities?
Yes — mention the off-site activity (school trip, swimming, residential visit) and the pupil's specific needs in that context. The assessment will include transport arrangements, supervision ratios, access to medication, and emergency procedures away from school.
Does it cover restraint and physical intervention?
Yes — if the pupil's behaviour may require physical intervention, mention it and the assessment will reference the school's positive handling policy and the legal framework under Section 93 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Only trained staff should carry out restrictive physical intervention, and the assessment will reflect this.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator