School Safety September 2025 - Newsletter

School Fires Making Headlines

Over the past few months, schools and nurseries across the UK have seen a worrying rise in fire incidents. These events have not only caused major property damage but have also led to significant disruption for pupils, parents, and staff. Each incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can take hold and the importance of prevention, planning, and compliance.

Julian’s Primary School, Streatham (23 August 2025)

In late August, a serious fire broke out at Julian’s Primary School in Streatham, causing extensive roof damage. The sprinkler system, while preventing the fire from spreading further, resulted in severe water damage throughout the building. The school was forced to close its doors immediately, and urgent arrangements had to be made to relocate students. This case highlights the need for robust fire management plans, ensuring schools are prepared for both fire damage and secondary risks such as flooding from suppression systems.

Nursery School, Oval (25 August 2025)

Just two days later, a nursery school in Oval was devastated by fire. Investigations revealed that the blaze was accidental and linked to an overloaded electrical extension lead. Everyday risks such as faulty wiring or overused sockets can have catastrophic consequences in a childcare environment. This incident underlines the importance of staff training and regular checks to identify and remove electrical hazards before they escalate.

Shanklea Primary School (July 2025)

Shanklea Primary School experienced a fire believed to be caused by faulty solar panels. With the increasing use of renewable technologies in schools and public buildings, this incident raises important questions about installation standards and ongoing maintenance. Councils have since reported similar cases in other facilities, showing that emerging risks like solar panel faults need to be taken just as seriously as traditional fire hazards.

Common Causes of School Fires

The incidents above highlight some of the most frequent causes of school fires. Electrical faults, overloaded sockets, and poorly maintained wiring remain the leading risks. Hot works during refurbishment projects can also lead to ignition if not properly controlled. More recently, defective solar panel systems have been identified as a growing concern. Sadly, arson is still a recurring issue in schools, while even social media trends—such as damaging laptops to create short circuits—have forced emergency evacuations. These risks show the importance of proactive fire safety management.

Duties Under CDM 2015 – A Hidden Risk for Schools

Beyond fire risks, schools also face responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). Whenever refurbishment, maintenance, or construction work takes place, the client must formally appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. If this does not happen, the client automatically takes on the Principal Designer role—with all the associated legal duties and liabilities. Many schools are unaware of this requirement. At Armadillo, we help by acting as Principal Designer or Advisor, ensuring that schools stay compliant, projects run safely, and risks are effectively managed.

How The School Safety People Support Schools

At The School Safety People, we specialise in helping schools, nurseries, and councils stay compliant and keep their communities safe. Our tailored services include:

• Fire Risk Assessments – Identifying electrical, structural, and operational hazards before they become incidents.

• Fire Door Inspections – Checking that escape routes are fully compliant and always functional.

• Staff Training & Awareness – Equipping teachers, support staff, and leadership teams with the knowledge to prevent and respond to fire risks.

• Policy & Procedure Support – Ensuring schools have up-to-date fire safety arrangements that meet legal requirements.

• Contractor Oversight – Managing risks from refurbishment projects, hot works, and maintenance contractors.

• Specialist School Audits – Termly compliance checks that give headteachers and business managers confidence their school is safe and compliant.

  
  

Every fire incident is a reminder of why strong safety systems are essential in education. With The School Safety People by your side, you can reduce risks, stay compliant, and—most importantly—protect pupils, staff, and the wider school community.