Penrose, John

That this House is concerned that more than 2,000 schools are damaged by fire each year; highlights that the proportion of fires caused by arson in schools is approximately 50 per cent. higher than in other occupied buildings; notes that school fires cause major disruption to children's education, destroying coursework and schoolwork, as well as irreplaceable teaching notes and aids; further notes that large fires force schools to provide lessons in temporary accommodation compounding the negative effect on children's education; acknowledges that sprinklers are an important part of an overall fire safety approach, particularly in communities blighted by low-level crime that are more likely to suffer from an arson attack; highlights that reduced fire insurance premiums, better fire alarms and cheaper construction materials where sprinklers are installed can make them a cost neutral option; and calls on the Government to review current policy to promote sprinkler provision in all new schools, and wherever possible, in those undergoing major refurbishment.