St Joseph's Catholic Primary School fined
A SCHOOL in Chalfont St Peter has been hit with a heavy fine after being found guilty of breaching fire safety regulations.
At Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Friday last week, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Priory Road was fined £2,250 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £5,750 for failing to take general fire precautions, failing to adequately implement the findings of a fire risk assessment and failing to appoint fire wardens.
The charges relate to events which occurred in 2007, and the District Judge said that the breaches reflected "serious failings by the school".
The governing body of the school pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them, which were in breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Area manager Chris Bailey said; "The prosecution was brought in the interests of public safety. These breaches were very serious and served to place children and teachers in the school at serious risk should a fire have occurred.
"This case should serve to indicate to governors, headteachers and persons in charge of schools that they must take all reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment from fire for all in their care."
Since 2006, 108 schools have been inspected by officers from Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority, but St Joseph's is the only prosecution that has been brought.
Area manager Bailey added: "Schools are in the group of premises categorised as being particularly vulnerable to fire. A fire in a school, as well as putting the lives of children and teachers at risk, damages the fabric and infrastructure of local communities."
A statement from St Joseph's said: "We accept the outcome of the case, though we regret that it has taken so long to resolve. The safety and welfare of our staff and pupils is paramount and we are satisfied that the changes and improvements we have made to the school now meet the fire authority's standards.
"There will of course be regular reviews and staff training to maintain our high health and safety standards.
"We now wish to focus our time and energy on our staff and pupils, which is where our hearts lie."
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