Surveillance, door entry systems and visitor control
Last updated: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.