School children hold stars in Handan, Hebei province on Aug 31. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will increase safety checks in schools, including checks on dangerous chemicals and flammable and explosive materials, as the new semester begins, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education on Tuesday.

From Sept 1 to 18, the ministry will dispatch eight inspection teams to 16 provincial-level regions, and the Ministry of Public Security will send 16 supervisory teams to universities and schools. Rural schools should account for at least 50 percent.

A report on the inspection will later be made public, said the statement

According to a circular issued by the education commission with the State Council, China's cabinet, all schools should carry out self-examinations and work with supervisory teams to guarantee campus and school bus safety.

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