Security in schools should be a high priority and even though security for some schools might be just another box to tick, for a regulating body such as Ofsted, it’s one of the top safeguarding issues. This means there are a few rules you need to keep too, and different security solutions that are mandatory (like having a fire alarm system). We've created a quick guide to help you keep everyone safe whilst adhering to the Ofsted guidelines.
Read government materials:
Even though we would all love for it to be as simple as reading a blog, you need to read all the guidelines on the government page to make sure that all of your bases are covered. Here are a few we recommend, starting with the following:
Guidance to School and college security
Fire safety in new and existing school buildings
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Risk Assessments and planning:
One of the best and easiest ways to make sure your security is up to scratch is to make sure all security risk assessments are done and up to date. A risk assessment will point out anything that needs updating or missing so that you can get it updated with plenty of time before your Ofsted inspection. Once you have completed the necessary risk assessments you will need to create a plan of action; what needs replacing, does anything need maintenance, do new and existing staff or students need extra training or practice drills?
Here are a few things to take into consideration for this step:
1. Identify fire hazards
2. Identify people at risk
3. Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk
4. Record, plan, inform, instruct and train
5. Review: Keep assessment under review Revise where necessary
For further guidance on completing a risk assessment take a look at the government website or contact us today.
Security solutions:
Access Control:
Controlling the flow of access is important in reducing the risk of an unauthorised person attempting to access students, valuable assets or damage to the school, college or university buildings. You can do this by implementing an access control system.
Types of access control:
- Pin Code
- Access Pass or Fob
- Intercom
- Fingerprint
Security Barriers:
When Schools, Colleges and Universities look at site security, they tend to think about the physical building’s security rather than the overall site. You should make it difficult for opportunists to access as much of your site as possible. The security gates best for your school will depend on the size of the site and the entrance points, for example, universities tend to be larger sites so tend to adopt more security measures than smaller sites.
Types of security gates and barriers:
- Drop Arm Barrier
- Traffic Control Spikes
- Palisade Fencing
- Bollards
(read more on security barriers in schools)
Fire alarms:
UK Fire Alarm regulations don’t specify the exact type of fire alarm you should have, it should just be ‘appropriate’ for your educational institute. (Read more on choosing a fire alarm)
With that in mind, there are three main types of fire alarms:
- Conventional Fire Alarms
- Addressable Fire Alarm
- Wireless Fire Alarms
(read more on types of fire alarms)
CCTV:
IP CCTV enables your school, college or university the flexibility and speed in which to retrieve any footage whilst retaining high-quality visuals, making it a cost-effective solution.
IP CCTV systems we install all have the following;
- Mobile app
- Analytics / Notifications
- Smart Search
The best type of IP CCTV system for a school, college or university depends on a variety of factors, so please get in touch for a free security site audit.
Intruder alarms:
You are likely to have high-value equipment on site, if these got stolen, how much would that cost you? Would you have the budget to replace it? How would this impact your students, their projects and their grades?
When you start to look at it from that angle, it’s well worth putting in an Intruder detection system.
There are three main types of intruder alarms:
- Bells only Intruder Alarm
- Dialler Intruder Alarm
- Smart Intruder Alarm
A Dialler intruder alarm is the best option for your school, college, or university as it will notify your security company and key holders of an intrusion. Ensure that your intruder alarm has the following features:
- Motion detectors
- Shock sensors
- Alarm
- Panic buttons
- App
Contact a trained expert:
The best way to make sure your security system is up to date, and appropriate for your educational institution is to take all of your findings and speak to a trained expert (preferably one who has experience specifically in schools). It will allow you to see all the options and allow you to compare features, functionality and price. Different systems have different uses and purposes, depending on their application, which is why getting a professional's opinion is the best way to go. Also, getting your security systems installed and checked by a trained expert will guarantee reliable function and it is also vital to undertake regular and periodic maintenance to ensure everything stays in perfect working order.
If you would like to find out about the types of fire alarms click here.
If you would like to find out more give us a call at 0330 222 0330 or if you're ready to book a meeting with our experts, fill in the form below.