Definitely not under any circumstances.

Martin, I've had second thoughts. if you don't wish to contact the local FRS pm me and I will. Details of the school and location will do.

Its the 'no RA in place to prove it is safe' part that bothers me most. It is really not possible on the facts given to say 'Definitely not under any circumstances', as it might well be 'safe' to lock up part of a building when other parts are still in use. But this process does need some careful consideration, and more importantly, some effective communication to ensure the person with the padlock understands the strategy and its limits None of that appears to be the case here

Fire safety why would the FRS need to know? The premises are one in a million they may have to deal with and to submit details of each premise will be an absolute nightmare. The RRFSO requires the premises controller to simply protect both any persons in the premises and the premises itself. In the event of a fire the FRS would respond on the basis of the building being on fire and act accordingly. The FRS is the enforcing authority and may take action if they consider the Fire RA is inadequate, nothing more nothing less. It seems to me that the premises controller is simply trying to save on expenses by not having arrangements for the building to be properly 'open' by ensuring adequate escape routes are alway available. If no FRA is available to demonstrate that adequate arrangements are in place they are in breach of the RRFSO and the premises controller is breaking the law, simples.

I would definitiely start off by speaking to the Head, it's not a case of scaring or intimidating but educating.Does the Head even know the caretaker is doing this? Could be an eye opener.

To the OP: is your concern as a parent of a pupil, a user of the school premises or as safety adviser to the school? If you are the safety adviser you should be in a position to review the FRA and decide if the arrangements are adequate. If you are not in such a position then the advice to speak to the school head is good, urgently voicing your concerns and then depending on the response, decide whether you need to escalate to the Chair of Governors. Are the multiple users all in one area that is adequately served by a single escape route, with all possibilities for wandering off- route locked, or at the other end of the scale spread in numbers across the school site? What makes you sure that there is no FRA?

For the record, all local authority fire services will respond to what some call 'alleged fire risks' any time. In London, specialist ire safety officers will arrive within 2 to 3 hours (I think) during office hours, and uniformed staff from fire stations (generally less skilled) during out of hours reports within 2 hours. Whether this School situation needs such a visit at this time is IMO doubtful, but Firesafety101 is not wrong to suggest an immediate call to the fire service. Make no mistake, forget the Bank of England and Fort Knox, it's Schools we trust with our most valuable 'property'. Some are really switched on when it comes to fire safety, but in my experience, most are not. Heads of larger Schools tend to consider they have a God like status and may cherry pick the legislation they will comply with. Fire safety provision can be expensive, so is often at the bottom of the list of priorities. I was a School Governor an sat on the H&S committee of that School, plus I gave fire safety advice to neighbouring Schools, so I have some experience. My advice is to contact the head by e-mail/writing. Tell him/her your concerns and give him a reasonable deadline to reply (5 days?) after which you will be writing to 1) the Chair of Governors (if there's one), 2) The LA if applicable, 3) Your local MP, 4) Ofsted and 5) the local fire service safety enforcement team. If you are to make this threat, you must carry it out and cc the Head into the bulk e-mail to the above addressees. Its Ofsted which will cause the most panic! Good luck

I don't think there is a need for anyone to get a a soap box it's a simple issue, ok if it is not dealt with there maybe grave consequences. But I still think take it up with them and let them know that you will be taking it further if they do not sort something out immediately. Then again if you haven't actioned anything by now you can gaurantee niether have they so maybe the FRS are the best port of call.