Fire Safety Plans (MAP) for Schools
What changes when the building is a school, nursery or kindergarten.
Why a school is different
Schools, nurseries and kindergartens bring together large numbers of people, often children, with little ability to react to an emergency on their own. Inspections tend to look more closely here than at other spaces of the same size.
Evacuation drills and staff training tend to weigh more heavily in the assessment than in an office building or a shop, for example.
When this usually becomes urgent
- Opening a new school, nursery or kindergarten, before the operating licence can be issued
- The start of a new school year, often with the MAP needing a review or update
- A rise in the number of students, or a change to the building
- A failed inspection that flagged issues with evacuation procedures
What usually gets assessed
Emergency signage, emergency lighting, suitable extinguishers, and above all a clear, rehearsed evacuation plan — having the equipment isn't enough if staff don't know how to use it. The building's exact risk category and what's legally required is set by a técnico autor, not by this page.
Need to sort this out?
Frequently asked questions
Does a small nursery still need a MAP?
Yes. The type of space (a school establishment) matters more than size in what's required, precisely because it involves children.
How often does a school's MAP need reviewing?
It depends on the building's risk category, but it's common to review it before each school year starts, especially if the space or student numbers have changed.
This guide is general orientation and doesn't replace legal or technical advice. Your building's exact risk category and obligations are determined by a técnico autor registered with ANEPC.