The effects of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which claimed 72 lives, will be felt for years to come. While pictures of the Kensington-based towerblock engulfed in flames will long be ingrained on the public consciousness, this preventable disaster could lead to criminal charges, while there is pressure for wholesale changes to fire safety regulations and even housing policy as a result.
All of the 40 children who attended Grenfell Nursery, which was based on the first floor of the tower block, have been accounted for, as have their parents. The setting itself was completely destroyed.
Cladding has dominated discussions about the Grenfell fire, and with good reason. Tests have shown the cladding system applied to the west London tower during renovation works last year did not comply with current regulations. What’s more, it was far from alone: maintained nurseries in schools and universities are now being asked by the Department for Education to do their own building checks. More than 100 buildings have failed new safety tests. Grenfell has the potential not to be a one-off.
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