Hi clane - I would first check the job description and get as much feel as possible about how this LA resources H&S/compliance posts for its schools, as I doubt that there are many who only give such a person only two or three schools (even if secondary) to worry about.

In terms of hot topics, all that you mention + control of contractors/CDM, asbestos, work at heights (roofers, painters etc), grounds maintenance, water hygiene (especially legionella), segregation of vehicles and pedestrians to name a few.

Good luck, Peter

OK it depends on the LEA and how they run their schools. You might be expect to overall all aspects of  H&S right down to individual lessons including practical classes or  you are mainly responsible simply for the fabric of the buildings and possible the safety of staff but not the students, or some vague in between.

Schools and colleges are different as most of the people on site are not employees and as such you have less direct control over them. They are  also kids, and you can’t simply engage them with some power points and/or toolbox talks. In many schools the teaching staff would not want an outsider  getting involved directly with students, but you still need to take into account student activities in the school both legitimate; using power tools in a workshop and not legitimate eg smoking behind the bike sheds and hiding the butts behind hardboard walls(see Displays in School Corridors thread).

Oh yes…covid is still a live issue.

Specifically for schools consider 3rd party management/approval for trips, whether a day or week away - how do they manage the children getting there, vehicle risks etc. Enrichment activities on site - forest schools are all the rage, breakfast and after school clubs and holiday clubs - sometimes by a 3rd party and sometimes by the school.

Traffic management if there is an onsite carpark and security.

Many thanks all for your very helpful replies. 

It seems there is far more to consider that initially meets the eye.

I guess when you are considering venturing into a new industry there is an element of excitment coupled with anxiety but I suppose that is to be expected, but let's not jump the gun hey.....

The principles of h&s remain the same wherever you work I suppose I just have to broaden my reach and  horizons!

I think you should just concentrate on your qualifications and experience of health and fire safety.  No point second guessing what they may want unless they have put that into their requirements.

Just prepare yourself for their questions on the 'what ifs' and I leave that to you own imagination.

Clane, hope it's not too late to chip in, but I too was a little confused about the role you describe, normally you might expect to be given responsibility for one or more sites as an addition to another role, maybe facilities management. Who is interviewing and who would you be working for?

In general, my experience is that Head Teachers are no more or less committed to H&S than any other leader, strange when you think they have such a duty of care. Many just want you to 'complete risk assessments (i.e. fill in the form they cribbed off another school so they can file it and ignore it) and are just annoyed you won't let them store archive papers in the plant room! Others I've worked for have been a dream and totally committed to staff and child safety. It's a melting pot.

If it is a more general role for the council I would find out who you would be working for, what their role is, and do your research. 

If you have more info come back and fill in the picture, maybe there is more we can say...