3 Tell-tale Signs Your School Security Systems Aren't Up To Scratch...

Oftsted put a school into Special Measures due to their unsatisfactory perimeter fencing.

One fault in the school security obliterated the months of hard work and inspection preparation by the headteacher, staff and pupils.

Could Ofsted be marking you down on your intruder alarm, access control or CCTV next?

Here are 3 tell-tale signs that your school security systems are lacking...

1. Your perimeter fencing is weak or damaged

If that's the case, your school could end up facing the chaos of Special Measures, too.

Ofsted's main priority is the safety and well being of the pupils and, if your fencing is weak or damaged, there's a good chance:

• outside threats can easily enter the school grounds; and
• pupils may leave the premises and be unaccounted for in an emergency.

Perimeter fencing is your school's first line of defence. It's the first thing parents and visitors see (including Ofsted) and showcases your attitude towards school security.

2. No door entry system

If you don't have a door entry system, similar to this one that we installed for Chalkwell Hall Junior School in Essex, your staff and pupils are at risk.

It is the duty of the school to monitor the visitors who enter and exit the premises to ensure only authorised personnel are granted access.

A video and audio entry system allows your reception staff to confirm the identity of everyone entering the site and keep the bad guys out!

3. A lack of / outdated CCTV cameras

An outdated, unserviced CCTV system is little to no use to your school because it could malfunction and fail when you need it most - in an emergency. Technology has greatly evolved over the last decade, offering schools higher quality images and enabling them to fulfil their duty of care.

A well maintained CCTV system on the outside of the building, as well as inside, helps to:

• monitor the school grounds to prevent loiterers from hanging around in school hours;
• keep an eye on the playground and other communal areas;
• encourage pupils to behave well; and
• offer an archive of footage in the case of a crime.

Don't allow your school security let you down when Ofsted come to visit!

And there you have it - 3 tell-tale signs that your security isn't up to scratch. Unfortunately, that's not all... there are many other potential ways Ofsted could catch you out on unsatisfactory security measures! We don't know how their grading system will evolve around security in the future...

Read our guide to find out if your security systems are up to scratch! Click the image below to get started.

You're in safe hands, we're an NSI Gold accredited security company who work with over 200 schools in Essex.