Comprehensive Guide to School Security in the West Midlands

Every school in the West Midlands has a legal obligation to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and visitors on their premises. While severe security breaches similar to those witnessed in the United States are fortunately very rare in the UK, it remains essential for schools to establish a well-defined and comprehensive school security policy that safeguards everyone on site.

To assist schools in fulfilling their responsibilities, the Government has developed dedicated advice specifically addressing security matters. This guidance includes a link to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), which outlines the legal obligations of schools, colleges, and universities to ensure the well-being of individuals on their premises.

In this guide, we will examine the major security threats faced by schools in the West Midlands and propose effective measures to mitigate these risks.

Trespassers:

Schools in the West Midlands encounter various forms of trespassing, ranging from students attempting to access the premises during school holidays to potential criminals with intentions to steal valuable assets such as computers, vehicles, and equipment. Consequently, it is crucial for schools to prioritize controlling access points, both to buildings and external grounds, and implement robust security measures to deter unauthorized individuals from entering the premises. While some school grounds may be designated public rights of way, increasing the risk of unauthorized entry, it is vital to strike a balance between accessibility and security.

One of the ways trespassing can be prevented is using a door access and visitor management system that controls key entry points into the school. This should also ensure that all visitors are properly vetted before being allowed access. Access control could be implemented via an intercom, a keypad system or an ANPR camera at the school gates. Another possibility is a key fob door entry system which can also be given out to teachers and members of staff to allow them access to areas which students should not be able to, such as storerooms, laboratories, staff rooms and IT stores.

Violence:

Schools in the West Midlands face an elevated risk of occupational violence. According to a report titled “Violence at Work: a Guide for Employers” by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), further supported by the 2019/20 Crime Survey for England and Wales, showed that teachers and support staff rank sixth out of 25 occupational groups at risk of violence in the workplace. Unfortunately this violence appears to be on the rise, with a 2023 survey of NASUWT members revealing 13% of teachers had been physically assaulted by a pupil, an increase from 6% in 2021. The data also found nearly half of teachers surveyed (48%) felt their school’s behavioural policies was unfit for purpose, showing the importance of security measures and adequate recording of incidents to protect pupils and staff alike.

Installing CCTV and surveillance cameras to monitor internal and external areas in order to have a full record of such violent crimes taking place. The video footage can also be used in cases of bullying and harassment between students to assess what has happened.

Vandalism and Arson

Vandalism is a prevalent security threat affecting schools across the West Midlands. Instances of malicious damage to school property have been on the rise in this region. Recent incidents include smashed windows at local primary schools, destruction of property, and drug paraphernalia discovered on school premises. These acts of vandalism often occur outside of school hours and pose a significant challenge to ensuring a secure environment for students and staff.

Theft and Burglary:

Burglary and theft present another significant threat to schools in the West Midlands. Similar to vandalism, school burglaries typically occur during night-time when the premises are unoccupied. Thieves target valuable items, including laptops, machinery, and school vehicles. Recent break-ins have resulted in the theft of school property, with instances reported in various locations across the West Midlands. Such incidents emphasize the need for enhanced security measures to protect schools from recurring thefts.

To monitor your school premises at night time there are a few options available, from the aforementioned CCTV systems to installing burglar alarms and security lighting to identify  trespassers. You can also implement static guarding or mobile patrols to ensure that the perimeter of the school environment is protected.

Enhancing School Security:

Schools in the West Midlands have a legal duty of care towards their students and employees. It is imperative to develop and implement a comprehensive security policy that includes an effective response plan for serious security incidents. The responsibility for creating and executing these policies should rest with a competent individual experienced in security matters. Failure to provide the required documentation upon request may constitute a breach of legal responsibilities outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Implementing Effective Security Measures:

To evaluate and enhance security measures, schools in the West Midlands are advised to conduct thorough risk assessments that identify potential vulnerabilities. This assessment should cover access control, surveillance systems, emergency procedures, and staff training. By implementing appropriate school security measures such as secure entry points, CCTV systems, alarm systems, and regular staff training sessions on security protocols, schools can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and create a safer learning environment.

Ensuring school security is of paramount importance in the West Midlands. By understanding the prevalent security threats and implementing effective measures, schools can uphold their legal obligations and create a secure and conducive environment for students, staff, and visitors.