The group has also recommended providing parents, pupils and staff with annual updates about asbestos in their schools, and reintroducing inspections into the way schools manage asbestos.

A spokesman for the DfE said that schools must follow the Health and Safety Executive's asbestos management regulations. He added that if asbestos is not disturbed or damaged it is safer to leave it in place.

For more extensive coverage including statistics related to asbestos and health, visit the BBC news website.