Personal Safety

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.