In 2017, Ofsted put an 'Outstanding' school into special measures because they didn't have adequate perimeter fencing.
So that begs the question, what elements of YOUR school security, such as your Alarm System, up to scratch? And what are the Ofsted implications, if any?
Back in 2017 when we originally wrote this post, Ofsted's Common Inspection Framework: Education Skills and Early Years: said
"Inspectors will always have regard for how well children and learners are helped and protected so that they are kept safe."
The new Education inspection framework still says that.
BUT in 2022, the follow up document called the School inspection handbook states under Safety and Security #28
We do not require schools to
- take any specific steps with regard to site security. In particular, inspectors do not have a view about the need for perimeter fences or lockdown alarms.
- use a digital platform to monitor pupils' internet use and we do not specifiy how these platforms should operate
HOWEVER just because Ofsted’s inspectors have stopped checking on this vital element of school security, it doesn't mean it's no longer relevant for the Responsible Person at a School
BECAUSE in the DfE Gov.uk Guidance on Health & Safety: Responsibilities and duties for schools, it says
#8 School security and emergency preparation
All schools should have plans in place to enable them to manage and respond to incidents related to school security. DfE is consulting on guidance to help schools with school security procedures.Schools should also have procedures for controlling access and barring individuals from premises. Schools can decide whether to include this within their school security plan or deal with the issue when it arises in another plan or procedure.
The DfE recommends guidance on helping schools with accessing and barring of individuals from premises.
Health and safety emergency procedures schools should consider include:
serious injury to a pupil or member of staff (for example, transport accident)
significant damage to school property (for example, fire)
criminal activity (for example, bomb threat)
severe weather (for example, flooding)
public health incidents (for example, flu pandemic)
the effects of a disaster in the local communityDfE provides emergency planning and response for education, childcare, and children’s social care settings.
To make sure you don't fall foul of your legal obligations, your school must 'Safeguard Children' both inside and outside the classroom.
And that includes keeping the bad guys out! Your security has to be up to scratch.
Follow this rule of thumb test to work out whether your Alarm System is up to scratch.
Your Alarm System should:
And..
If you cannot guarantee all of the above - you may have a problem.
We've already discussed the dangers of getting your commercial security installed by an electrical contractor... and the repercussions a school in Essex faced after hiring a fireman to install their Emergency Lighting.
The take home message from these stories is: unless your installer or maintenance provider is NSI or SSAIB accredited or equivalent, there is:
That puts the Responsible Person at risk of unlimited fines OR a prison sentence if the worst should happen. And your school could end up in special measures if Ofsted find out!
Even if you passed the Intruder Alarm rule of thumb test above, there may be other areas that could let you down during an inspection! After all, the case of the outstanding school referred to earlier only messed up on their perimeter fencing!
Read our school security guide to see whether you're in the clear or uncover areas you should be concerned about.
You're in safe hands, we're an NSI Gold and SSAIB accredited security company who work with over 200 schools in Essex. 
