TEACHING unions are calling for all new and refurbished school buildings to be fitted with fire sprinklers.

The National Education Union (NEU), National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and Association of School & College Leaders (ASCL) have published joint guidance for school leaders on fire risk assessments in schools in the light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

They said pupils, parents, staff and the wider community who use educational buildings need reassurance that they are not being exposed to a similar fire risk.

The NEU, NAHT and ASCL are calling on the Government to survey all school buildings to determine whether any inappropriate cladding has been used in their construction as well as take the opportunity to establish the location of asbestos in schools.

They are also urging the Government to introduce a legal requirement that all new and refurbished school buildings are fitted with a sprinkler system.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We have campaigned successfully to stop the Government weakening guidance on school fire safety.

"The National Education Union will continue to hold the Government to account to ensure that this guidance is adhered to.

"All new and refurbished schools should be fitted with sprinkler systems and a review of cladding on all schools needs to take place. Such a review should also focus on identification of asbestos and lead, in the longer term, to a programme of phased removal.”