Recent reports of children being injured after a tree fell at an outdoor activity centre in Surrey are a sobering reminder of the potential risks trees can present in places used by children and the wider public.
It would not be appropriate to speculate about the circumstances behind this particular incident. However, it does provide a timely opportunity for schools to consider whether their own tree safety arrangements are clear, current and being followed.
Trees are an important part of many school sites, providing shade, supporting wildlife and creating more welcoming outdoor spaces. Like any other part of the estate, though, they need to be included within a planned approach to risk management.
Do you know who is responsible?
Schools should be clear about who is responsible for monitoring trees across the site, including those around boundaries, playgrounds, playing fields, car parks and buildings.
Premises teams may notice visible changes or damage during their usual site checks, but these observations are not a replacement for inspections by a competent tree specialist. Schools should have access to appropriate professional advice and know who to contact when concerns are identified.
Are inspections and actions being recorded?
A tree survey should not simply be completed and filed away.
Any recommended actions need to be recorded, assigned and completed within the appropriate timescale. Schools should also be able to demonstrate when trees were inspected, what concerns were identified and what remedial work was carried out.
Particular attention may be needed following severe weather, visible damage or significant changes in a tree’s condition.
Do staff know how to report a concern?
Staff working around the site should know how to report obvious concerns, such as damaged or hanging branches, cracks, movement around the base of a tree or signs of decay.
Where there is an immediate concern, access to the surrounding area may need to be restricted until advice has been received from a competent specialist.
Reviewing tree safety arrangements
Tree safety management does not need to create unnecessary work, but it does need to be organised and proportionate to the site.
A useful review should consider:
• Responsibility for monitoring and reporting concerns • The date and findings of the most recent competent inspection • Whether recommended works have been completed • How defects and remedial actions are recorded • Arrangements for obtaining urgent specialist advice • Whether staff understand what to report and to whom
The NASPM Tree Safety Guidance provides further support for schools, including inspection responsibilities, competence, record-keeping, risk-based inspection arrangements and a practical visual check guide for premises teams.
NASPM Premium Members can access the full guidance through the Resource Hub.