Schools told to check fire risk after canopy blaze

Schools across Norfolk have been told to assess their fire risk after sunlight on a plastic canopy sparked a blaze that damaged three classrooms.

Fire ripped through Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham, near Dereham, having spread from a shelter in the school playground during extremely hot weather on 13 August.

Norfolk County Council described it as "a very uncommon incident triggered by a very specific set of circumstances".

However, a spokesperson said the damage to the building and distress to the community had been significant.

"This is why we are working to encourage all schools and early years settings to review their fire safety arrangements, which includes being mindful of where the sun's rays will travel when placing anything near glass or Perspex," said James Wilson, director of strategy and outcomes.

The local authority and the fire service would also work with Thomas Bullock Primary Academy to check if there were any wider considerations, he added.

The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, which runs the school, said sunlight was refracted by a Perspex shelter covering playground equipment.

It caught fire and spread to the building.

The canopy design was a common feature in schools and potentially needed to be reviewed, particularly with regard to climate change, they added.

Head teacher Shannon O'Sullivan said all 240 pupils would be given remote learning for at least a week when the new term started on 3 September.

"We have been working at pace to make sure the quality of education is put back in place for our children, and we're incredibly optimistic that will certainly be this side of half term," she added.

The Department for Education said all schools should have an up-to-date fire risk assessment.

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