School fire exits were locked to keep vandals out

FIRE exits at a Dublin school were being locked during classes to protect them from thieves and vandals until a school inspector warned of the dangers involved.

The situation was highlighted last November when a Department of Education inspector visited the school. The finding was highlighted in a report on the 550-student school published on the department website this week.

“Appropriate measures should be put in place to ensure the security of the school building, measures that take account of the absolute need for the fire exits to remain unlocked at all times,” the inspector wrote. The board of management have agreed to now keep the exit doors unlocked at all times.

The detailed report highlighted many positive aspects of school life, including the importance placed on student safety and well-being, a wide range of extra-curricular activities, efforts to accommodate the needs of those with additional learning needs and numerous initiatives developed under the School Completion Programme.

However, student behaviour was reported by teaching staff as a concern, with a small number posing a constant challenge. The inspectors reported stringent measures were in place to help this, including the absence of morning breaks for staff and students, and students having to ask for a key to access toilet facilities outside designated times.

The whole school evaluation (WSE) report is one of 37 published by the department this week, many of which highlighted the poor conditions of school buildings.

At Scoil Chaitríona Naofa in Eachroim, Co Galway, significant shortcomings are reported, including extremely congested classrooms, very restricted staff room and major difficulties with storage.

Last March at 70-pupil Clogagh National School near Timoleague, Co Cork, the three classrooms each measured just 36 square metres. Classrooms at St Anne’s Special School in the Curragh, Co Kildare were too small and some parts of the building were not wheelchair friendly.