Girl's death prompts tree safety review

Trees on all NSW school grounds will be checked for safety after an eight-year-old girl died last week from a falling tree branch.

The girl went into cardiac arrest as she was pinned under the branch during lunchtime at Pitt Town Public School in Sydney's northwest on Friday.

She was rushed to Westmead Children's Hospital in a critical condition but died shortly after.

A teacher in his 50s suffered head injuries and a five-year-old kindergarten student and her seven-year-old brother were also hurt.

The Department of Education on Thursday ordered all schools in the state to have qualified arborists "as soon as practicable" review the safety condition of trees on school grounds.

The arborists are to look at trees that are overhanging school buildings and playgrounds, or any other areas used by students and staff.

The department says it will work with local councils if any trees have to be worked on and has committed to paying for the work.

Priority will be given to tall trees and gum trees during the review.

The department says it will also conduct a review into how trees are managed on school grounds.