Posted By Glyn Atkinson Not working in that sector, but from a common sense point of view as a parent, I would expect that some written procedure was in place that had been agreed between headteacher and the board of governors relating to the safety aspect of electrical items within schools. The local authority - ie town council - should also have a health and safety team who deal with risk assessments, and help with this type of problem within school areas. They would give expert information and good practice guidance on provision of a safe system for electrical supplies and use of equipment by children on school premises - if allowed at all ?? By the way, since when did schools become bespoke fashion houses - hair straighteners for God's sake ?? I remember being ostracised for putting "Whiter Shade of Pale" on the grammar school on / stage record player as a sixth form pupil attempt at beefing up the assembly introduction music. Only time that the head ever ran to my knowledge ! Happy days !!

Posted By David Bruce Have to be honest don't really see mobiles being a big issue as they have sealed plugs and are replaced that often that it would be unlikely that the chargers would be in a poor state. Straighteners however, are infinately more dangerous from the possiblity of being left on and causing burns / fire in addition to the shock hazard. Beyond the H&S issues I would also think that the school's insurance policies would have conditions relating to PAT testing intervals and use of electrical equipment and thus the school would want to limit their uninsured exposure.

Posted By Exdeeps Keith, Looking at this as a school governor I am surprised to say the least that pupils are allowed phones, chargers or any other electrical equipment in school (Unless, as previously stated it is a residential school) My advise would be to approach the school office and request to see the policy on "use of private electrical equipment on school property by pupils" and then follow that up with a request for a copy of the school complaints policy (Which the school is legally required to provide on request) Then see how fast things are resolved or follow the complaints procedure exactly as written to avoid prevarication by the Head teacher and Governing Body, Jim

Posted By keithb Thanks for your help everyone. Believe it or not, the school in question is not residential and apparently has a very good reputation. I would love to be a fly on the wall when my colleague attends his meeting with them next week.