Staff Training in Emergency Evacuation Procedures: A Critical Part of Accessibility Planning

When we write a school’s Accessibility Plan, one area we always examine is staff training in emergency evacuation procedures. It is frequently overlooked, and many schools tell us it is “not required” because they assume training is only necessary when a pupil has a mobility impairment. In reality, the duty extends to all users of the building—staff, parents, visitors, contractors, governors and anyone else who may be on site. The Equality Act 2010 places an anticipatory duty on schools, meaning they must plan ahead for potential needs rather than wait until a disabled person is present. Emergency evacuation is one of the clearest examples of this requirement.

Schools are dynamic environments, and needs can arise at any time. A member of staff may sustain an injury, a parent may arrive on crutches, or a visitor may have a long‑term mobility difficulty. Without trained staff, the school is not prepared to evacuate everyone safely. Training ensures that staff understand how to support someone who cannot evacuate independently, how to communicate clearly during an emergency, and how to follow Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans where they exist. It also prevents unsafe improvisation during a real incident.

Importantly, this training is a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act. It removes a barrier for disabled people and ensures they can leave the building safely in an emergency. Unlike many physical adjustments, staff training costs nothing to implement. It requires no specialist equipment, no building work and no additional budget. A short, well‑structured session is enough to ensure that staff know what to do, who is responsible and how to act confidently under pressure.

Despite this, many schools still record evacuation training as “not required”. This is a misconception that leaves them exposed. The duty applies to everyone on site, not just pupils. Needs can arise unexpectedly, staff turnover means knowledge is easily lost, and Ofsted expects schools to demonstrate proactive planning. Emergency evacuation is also a safeguarding issue: a building is not accessible if a disabled person cannot leave it safely.

For these reasons, staff training is an essential part of accessibility planning. It strengthens compliance, improves safety and demonstrates that the school is meeting its legal duties.

When we produce an Accessibility Plan, we always consider evacuation procedures, staff awareness and the school’s ability to support any user who may need assistance. It is a simple adjustment that makes a significant difference, and it ensures that every school is prepared, inclusive and confident in its responsibilities.