Ofsted put a Cumbrian school into Special Measures for nothing more than unsatisfactory perimeter fencing - you can read more about that here.
With that in mind, it's worth taking another look at your school security...
THIS BLOG POST REFERS TO AN OFSTED DOCUMENT THAT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN. PLEASE SEE THEIR NEW DOCUMENTATION INSPECTION FRAMEWORK HERE
However, before panic sets in, read on! It will stop you from having to trawl through the endless Ofsted related documents and explains:
Your school's security systems play a part in helping Ofsted inspectors to see that your school is a safe environment for pupils. After all, that is one of their major concerns.
Although Ofsted is by no means a 'safety' or 'security' authority, their document Inspecting safeguarding in early years education and skills setting is peppered with health, safety and security references such as:
Inspectors should look for evidence that … children and learners are safeguarded while on the premises
Safeguarding ... relates to broader aspects of care and education, including:
"Signs of successful safeguarding arrangements....the physical environment for babies, children and learners is safe and secure and protects them from harm or the risk of harm".
(Correct as of December 2017)
Clearly, adequate school security and safety is important to Ofsted. Given the events in Cumbria and the chaos of special measures, it's a good idea to review your school's security. Here are some effective security measures you can put in place:
Perimeter fencing
Perimeter fencing is your school's first line of defence. It's the first thing parents and visitors (including Ofsted) see and showcases your attitude towards school security.
The primary goal is to keep
You may already have a fence around the school but, if it has a weak-spot or isn't sturdy enough, Ofsted may have a problem with it!
Whether you opt for a traditional fence with manually locking gates, or an automated gate system like the one we installed for Eastwood High School in Essex, your installation should be carried out by an accredited (DHF / Gate Safe) installer. If installed incorrectly, your gates could actually become extremely dangerous!
In one awful instance at a domestic property, a gate installer was charged with manslaughter after his faulty installation cost a woman her life...
Audio & video door entry
Your school's second line of defence is access control - in particular, a video and audio door entry system that allows:
In our case study of Chalkwell Hall Junior School, we touched on how the door entry system we installed solved each one of their security concerns and helped to keep Ofsted happy!
A well maintained CCTV system helps to:
In addition to the above, it also shows Ofsted that you are fulfilling your duty to provide the most secure environment possible.
If you're still unclear whether your school's current security is sufficient to keep everyone safe AND Ofsted happy, we've got an easy way for you to find out!
Read our guide to find out if you need help. Click the image below to get started.
You're in safe hands, we're an NSI Gold accredited security company trusted by over 200 schools in Essex.
