School security

In July 2024 the Department for Education issued guidance on School and college security which includes a wealth of information on health and safety law, drawing up a security policy and plan, identifying internal and external security risks and how to manage them, the importance of building relationships and partnerships with local organisations and your community, guidance on preventative measures, managing an incident or emergency and the potential impact on business continuity, and recovering from such an occurrence.  The document also signposts to additional resources relating to drugs, hate crime, protective security, radicalisation, safety and disaster management, terrorism, and violence in the workplace.

While most estate professionals will be aware of the need to comply with legislation such as the Health & Safety at Work Act, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, as well as other legislation, not all of us will have formalised our school security procedures into a security policy and plan.  So, where’s the best place to start?  Set out below are some suggestions.

Step 1 – Consider how secure your site is

The DfE’s document Site security guidance contains information on the following topics which will assist you in evaluation how secure your site is:

  • Perimeter security.
  • Main site entrances.
  • Car parking areas.
  • Alarm systems and CCTV.
  • Access control.
  • Security lighting.
  • Doors and windows.
  • Where to locate your school’s IT suite.
  • Secure storage of assets.
  • Security lockdown.

Designing out crime and designing in community safety should be central to the planning and construction of all new developments.  So, if you are planning any new buildings or schools, ensure that your architect has consulted your local Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO).  Contact details for DOCOs in each police force can be found at:

https://www.securedbydesign.com/contact-us/national-network-of-designing-out-crime-officers?view=article&id=308#avon-somerset-constabulary.

Step 2 – Consider potential security threats and preventative measures

The DfE’s document Potential security threats and preventative measures contains information relating to crime, terrorist attacks, information security, cyber security, personal security, and chemical and biological threats, and what actions schools can take to reduce the risks from such occurrences.  Further information on current threats and guidance can be found at ProtectUK, a free to use counter terrorism and security hub launched by the UK National Protective Security Authority.  ProtectUK can be accessed at:

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/guidance

Step 3 – Carry out a self-assessment of your emergency incident planning

The DfE has drawn up a Self-Assessment Emergency Incident Planning Checklist which covers:

  • Access to your buildings.
  • Site plans.
  • Business continuity planning.
  • Evacuation planning.
  • Bomb alert planning.
  • Alternative sheltering arrangements.
  • Lockdown planning.
  • Post incident support.

Use this self-assessment tool to establish your current status regarding emergency incident planning.  If you had to deal with an emergency incident today, how prepared would you be?

Step 4 – Draw up an action plan

Once you’ve completed your self-assessment, you will know the areas that you need to focus on.  Your action plan should detail what actions need to be carried out, by whom, and by when.  To assist with this, the DfE have drawn up a list of templates as follows:

  • Business continuity plan and checklist.
  • Evacuation.
  • Bomb alert and threat.
  • Shelter.
  • Lockdown.
  • Terrorist incident.

You should also consider what general and specific training staff may require.

Step 5 – Consider post incident support

It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the DfE’s document Post Incident Support Checklist before you have a need to use it.  In that way, you can ensure your school knows how to access assistance if required.  When doing so, consider different scenarios so that you can assess what assistance you might need in each case.  For example, what assistance would you need if your school burnt down, or if there was a terrorist attack near your school?

Following an incident, it is also helpful to review and reflect on what lessons can be learned.  The DfE’s document Debrief and Lessons Learned provides a useful starting point.

Where to find further information

The full range of documents relating to school and college security can be accessed via:

Specific resources on a range of different security topics can be accessed via:

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Managing School Security