Glebe House rapped by inspectors over missed fire drills

Glebe House School and Nursery in Hunstanton has been issued with a warning notice by the Department for Education following a visit from the Independent School Inspectorate.

The inspectors found the school's educational offering "outstanding" and their report was otherwise glowing.

But they highlighted their concerns over the fire safety measure.

Glebe House Prep school in Norfolk. (Image: Archant © 2009)

The report reads: "Suitable arrangements are in place for the prevention of fire within the educational areas of the school.

"However, fire drills have not taken place in boarding accommodation at least once per term, as required.

"In particular, termly fire drills have not taken place in the female pupils' boarding house and new pupils to boarding this academic year have yet to experience a fire drill during boarding time."

Louis Taylor, headmaster at Glebe House, said "At our last compliance inspection, it was noted that in one boarding house a fire drill had not taken place in the autumn term.

"Regular fire drills across the school have and continue to take place - the safety of our pupils is our highest priority.

"We fixed this oversight instantly and have submitted an action plan to the Department for Education, whereby increased oversight now exists to ensure that drills cannot be missed, even on the one-off occasion noted in the report.

Louis Taylor, headmaster of Glebe House School. (Image: Copyright Bill Robinson 2018)

"We are grateful to ISI for bringing this matter to our attention."

The warning notice, which was issued last month, came following an inspection held in January by the regulator, which is the equivalent of Ofsted for an independent school.

The report was otherwise glowing, describing the school as "a safe and happy place for pupils to learn".

It adds: "The quality of education is outstanding. The curriculum is well balanced and meets the needs and interests of the children."