LANCASHIRE school governors and headteachers have been given new guidance on safety in after the deadly Grenfell Tower fire in London.

It comes from the National Education Union, National Association of Headteachers ,the Association of School and College Leaders and the Fire Brigades Union.

The guidance says the fire caused a widespread concern in the education sector because many school buildings have cladding systems applied to their external walls.

It warns: “While the risks may be lower, a fire involving combustible cladding on the outside of a school has the potential to cause harm and so the threat must be taken seriously.

“Where school leaders are aware that any of their school buildings are at least 18 metres high, or four storeys, or used for overnight accommodation, and potentially clad in Aluminium Composite Material, and there has been no contact with the Department for Education they should contact their responsible body as a matter of urgency.”

The guidance advocates ‘ policy of total openness and transparency’ including staff briefings and meetings for parents will help reassure the school community once school leaders have all the facts at their disposal.