The importance of ensuring the security of premises with regard to both people and property cannot be stressed enough. Good security allows both staff and pupils to feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

In the Ofsted Briefing for Inspectors on Safeguarding Publication it states that Inspectors take into account the extent to which the school takes reasonable steps to ensure that pupils are safe on the school site, for example by monitoring visitors contractors or volunteers or those using the premises during school time.

Whilst this statement is open to interpretation by an inspector, in a health and safety context ‘reasonable’ means taking into account costs, sacrifice, resources etc. against any potential risk and recognising that there is a balance between community access, the undesirable ‘fortress school’ and safeguarding. Schools may wish to consider the following steps to meet this requirement

CCTV (Closed-circuit television)

Does the school have a Closed Circuit Television System in place that covers the main approaches to the school and other potential access points onto the site? 

Any system installed should ideally have the capacity for expansion as future needs and finances permit. The front entrance lobby area of the school may be a ‘hot spot’ and the school may wish to consider having a camera with a monitor located in this area to show that a surveillance system is in operation. This can often help to diffuse any aggressive behaviour that might occur. The installing CCTV company can often provide signs that can be displayed around the school site to alert persons that a system is in operation. The Data Protection Act 1998 requires every data controller who processes personal information to register with the Information Commissioners Office

Door Entry Systems

Does the school have a door entry system at its main reception area?

Visitor access should be controlled by the Reception office through an electronic entry system such as intercom or buzzer entry. Other rooms around the school where access is prohibited can be secured with a ‘digilock’, swipe card or fob entry system.

Location of front office and control of visitors

Does the Reception office have a clear view of persons requesting access?  Reception staff should ideally have view of anyone entering the school. Ideally the front office should be located at the entrance area to the schools main entry doors. Shrubbery also needs to be cut back to prevent obstruction.

Is there a secure holding area for visitors before they are given access to the school?

 Where practicable, visitors should enter into a secure area before being permitted further access. All visitors should sign in and out and wear a visitor’s badge. Generally visitors should be accompanied around the school.

Intruder Alarms

Has the school got an intruder alarm and if so, is the system regularly maintained? 

Schools in remote areas, or where they have particularly high value equipment, may wish to consider a ‘monitored’ system, especially if there are no near neighbours to raise the alarm if the system sounds.

CCTV, Directional, Warning, Information

Is there signage clearly displayed outlining the use of CCTV (closed-circuit television)? 

Signage needs to be positioned in prominent positions to ensure all are aware of its presence.

Is there adequate and effective signage around the site to guide visitors? 

Prominent signage should be displayed at all access points; car parks etc., directing visitors to the main entrance or to other services on site and importantly to the main Visitors Reception.

Equally important is signage identifying hazards or areas where unauthorised persons should not go. (See remarks below on fencing).

Is the school boundary fencing adequate and in good condition?

Fencing heights may vary Ofsted recommend effective height for boundaries is generally 1.8 metres or higher. The boundary of the school should be clearly defined and consistent around the entire perimeter where possible.  Fencing and gates should be kept in good condition to be effective. Please Note that in some cases where fencing abuts a highway any replacement fencing over 1 metre, and fencing over 2 metres anywhere else, may require planning permission.  (Advice is through your local District Council planning office). Ensure any fencing or gates have appropriate signage too to be clear on access etc. Gates should always be locked when the school is not in use. Closing gates (both pedestrian and vehicle) during the school day can also provide a deterrent to casual access.

Electronic powered gates need to have sensors to detect the presence of a person or obstacle at either side of the gate. Electric or automatic gates are designed to failsafe if someone / something gets in the way. The gate must effectively stop and reverse in direction when an object / person are detected. Gate-Guide-CURRENT.pdf Under the PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) regulations, it is a legal requirement to ensure that work equipment is adequately maintained. A competent engineer who holds a Gate Safe Aware ECS Card can carry out an inspection on an annual basis. For a list of approved companies visit www.gate-safe.org in the interim a School must ensure that termly inspections include inspection/risk assessment of gates/barriers.

Manual operated gates also require documented inspection and maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition.

When considering types of fencing, cost will always be a major factor. However, installing the cheapest type of fencing such as chain link can be a false economy as it has a limited life and can easily be vandalised. Fencing which has horizontal runners should be avoided as they are easily climbed.

If finances permit, steel palisade or welded fencing will be more long lasting with low maintenance and will be better value in the longer term. The frontage of the school will give visitors their first impression of the school and fencing should not be austere or too severe in appearance. Schools may still protect their front boundary by installing more ornate or decorative fencing but still at an appropriate height.  Fencing around hazards such as ponds, fuel tanks or electricity sub stations should be robust and at an appropriate height to deter unauthorised access. For small ponds, fencing of about 1.5 metres is considered appropriate but higher if the water areas are much larger. For nursery play areas it is recommended that fencing be of about 1.5 metres in height not only to stop children climbing out but to stop children being lifted over from the outside.

Fencing of an appropriate height between buildings can be effective in guiding persons around a site but at the same time stopping unauthorised access to areas where children are. Similarly secure, fencing around refuse areas will reduce the opportunities for arson.

Well sited appropriate fencing can improve the overall security of a school site. However, a sensible balance should be struck to not use fencing of a type or height that gives a negative impression that the school is unsafe. Careful choices need to be made therefore to ensure fencing and gates are effective but do not create an ‘institutional’ feel for the school.

Arson prevention and refuse control

Does the school have an effective means of arson prevention and control of refuse?

Arson prevention is essential to a schools safety and security. Regular recorded checks of the premises should be undertaken to ensure there are no signs of attempted arson.  Paper accumulation should be disposed of quickly and waste bins sited away from buildings and secured to ensure they cannot be pulled alongside buildings, either for starting fires or to provide access to climb on to low roofs. Waste material especially wood, cardboard and paper should be safely stored away from the buildings and disposed of regularly. Over filled wheelie bins should be compacted down and dampened to reduce the risk of arson. Flammable materials should always be locked away.

Door Security

Can classroom doors to the outside be secured easily, without a key from the inside? 

A simple thumb turn or barrel bolt is very effective and most modern doors have a thumb turn feature. For older doors a simple barrel bolt at the top of the door out of reach of children can be utilised to effectively secure the door from the inside. The use of keys is not recommended unless keys are kept in a key box near the door.   This security measure is important to guard against unauthorised access from the outside. Please remember fire doors cannot be locked whilst the building is occupied.

Lighting

Is the external lighting around the site in good working order and effectively sited to illuminate exit doors, main routes and pathways and car park areas? 

Dusk to dawn lighting is cheap to run and effective for school sites. Generally, P.I.R (Passive Infra-Red) activated lighting may be more appropriate to domestic settings where buildings are more likely to be occupied at night.

Maintenance

It is important to regularly inspect the premises and grounds to check on the state of the premises, any repairs needed and actions recorded. Any areas where there are tell- tale signs of illicit activity should be noted and action taken. This includes the build-up of litter, cans, cigarette ends, any drug paraphernalia etc.

Risk assessments  

Does the school have a system of undertaking risk assessments for school security and personal safety? 

The health and safety premises /site risk assessments and job based risk assessments should incorporate security and personal safety to ensure issues are identified and actions taken.

Reporting Procedures

Does the school have an effective reporting system?

Staff should be encouraged to report issues to the Headteacher if they have concerns; this will enable the school to monitor trends, investigate and implement procedures to keep the school safe. Records of issues and actions taken should be kept for reference and for reporting to Governors as necessary.

Lone Working / Working off-site / Keyholders

Does the school have a lone working policy including:

• Working safely in school after hours?
• Arrangements for working safely offsite?
• Effective communications such as walkie-talkies and mobiles or buddy systems?
• Staff training in how to keep safe?

NOTE: The school's keyholder procedure should ensure that as few keys are distributed as possible. In the event of loss of keys the replacement cost will be lower as a result. Keeping a tight control of keys of the building is essential to good security.

Challenging Strangers

Are staff/pupils aware of how to challenge strangers? 

Staff should be instructed to politely challenge any person not displaying identification and direct them to the main reception.  Pupils should be encouraged to inform staff of any suspicious people they have seen in or around the school.

The Health and Safety team offer bespoke Personal Safety Awareness Training courses to schools to provide practical advice on strategies to ensure personal safety.  This can be booked via HR Services on 01296 38 2233 or email hrservicedesk@buckscc.gov.uk

There is also a Personal safety Awareness course for front-line staff which covers diffusion techniques as well as breakaway techniques. These techniques should not be confused with those used to restrain pupils with challenging behaviour such as Team Teach.

NOTE: Above all, staff should NOT put themselves at risk

Fire drills

Fire drills, including a full evacuation of the premises, should be undertaken termly and records kept. Any lessons learnt from the drills should be reported to staff and pupils as appropriate.

Lockdown drills

Lockdown drills should be undertaken annually and records kept.

It is for the school to decide the most effective means of practising the lockdown drill so that pupils are familiar with the routine. This can be word of mouth or a Klaxon, whistle etc. Some schools may utilise a different tone on the fire alarm for the purpose of lockdown.  These drills can involve moving children to a relative place of safety within the school or moving the children off site. The school should practice these drills as good practice. Schools should keep records of their drills and report back to staff on the success of the drill and any lessons learnt.

Does the school have an effective communication system in an emergency? Who contacts the emergency services?

For small schools this may just be word of mouth. For larger schools an internal telephone or walkie talkie system might be more appropriate especially for use in an emergency situation. Are staff aware of how and whom to contact if there is an emergency?  Is there access to an emergency grab bag? Are the arrangements reviewed to assess effectiveness?

Refer to the Emergency Planning Guidance on Schools Web Emergency planning & Business Continuity Management | SchoolsWeb (buckscc.gov.uk) for further information

Does the school have effective off site communications such as on remote playing fields (for larger sites) and whilst children may be off site.

Does the school have a system of undertaking risk assessments for school security and personal safety? The health and safety risk assessments should incorporate security and personal safety to ensure issues are identified and actions taken. Risk assessments should be reviewed annually and if a procedure or system change.

Does the school have effective training in security and personal safety?

What are the arrangements for training in policies and practices for newly appointed staff?

Does the school encourage staff feedback on any areas of concern their staff may have?

Does the school manage feedback effectively to Senior Management and to Governors? How are resources allocated should building improvements be required?