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<p>The information requested is not held centrally. The Department does not collect
data on school fires. The Home Office publishes data relating to fires in buildings
other than dwellings, which includes categories for educational establishments. The
most recent published figures cover the 2010/11 to 2017/18 financial years inclusive
and can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire-statistics-data-tables"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire-statistics-data-tables</a>.</p><p>The
2017/18 data shows that the incidence of fire across the school estate affecting the
whole building, is low.</p><p>Neither the Department, nor the Home Office, collect
information on: how many school fires resulted in the relocation of pupils to separate
premises in 2017-18; how many days of operation have been lost as a result of fires
in schools in 2017-2018; what the cost has been to (a) central Government and (b)
local authorities of fires in schools in 2017-18; or the effect on children’s education
of fires which have destroyed school buildings fires in schools.</p><p> </p><p>Schools
are, in general, very safe environments in relation to fire safety as they are typically
occupied during the daytime and have multiple exit routes. In addition, all schools
must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including having
an up-to-date fire risk assessment and conducting regular fire drills.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government attaches the highest priority to the safety of pupils and staff in schools.
Following the Grenfell tragedy, the Department contacted all bodies responsible for
safety in school buildings in England. They were instructed to carry out checks to
identify any buildings with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding so that they
could be further investigated, and any risks were managed and dealt with promptly.
This work focused on identifying buildings over 18 metres or with residential accommodation
with ACM. The one school in scope has already carried out remediation work to remove
and replace the cladding.</p><p> </p><p>The Department is working closely with the
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement the ban on the
use of combustible cladding on new residential buildings over 18 metres, including
residential schools and student accommodation. More widely, we will continue to work
across Government to take forward the findings from the Hackitt Review of Building
Regulations and Fire Safety.</p>
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