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safeguarding physical security and visitor control reviewed november 2011 next review november 2014 introduction 1 the importance of ensuring the security of premises with regard to both people and property can not be stressed enough good security allows both staff and pupils to feel safe and confident in their surroundings ofsted expectations 2 the following excerpt comes from ofsted s briefing for section 5 inspectors on safeguarding children september 2009 and is available in the zip file from their website supplementary guidance and resources page question 7 pg15 inspectors take into account the extent to which the school takes reasonable steps to ensure pupils are safe on the school site for example by monitoring visitors or volunteers or those using the school premises during school time · 3 does the school have adequate security arrangements for grounds and buildings whilst this statement is open to interpretation by an inspector in a health and safety context `reasonable means taking into account costs sacrifice resources etc against any potential risk and recognising that there is a balance between community access the undesirable `fortress school and safeguarding risk assessment 4 frequently asked questions relating to safeguarding are available on the ofsted website http www.ofsted.gov.uk/ofsted-home/about-us/faqs/safeguarding/all-schoolsand-colleges these highlight that schools would not be found inadequate solely due to site boundary issues such as holes in fences etc but it is important schools have assessed and mitigated any such risks and ensured pupils are aware of them.

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5 in order to demonstrate that you have taken all reasonable steps to control visitors you should ensure that a robust risk assessment is in place for the effective supervision of pupils in each area of the school e.g playgrounds playing field play equipment etc see the generic risk assessments on school security and lunch breaktimes on the grid as a starting point http www.thegrid.org.uk/info/healthandsafety/documents/risk/lunchbreak_times10.doc http www.thegrid.org.uk/info/healthandsafety/documents/risk/security_feb10.doc secured by design schools 7 `secured by design schools which is published by the association of chief police officers and supported by the home office provides nationally recognised guidance on establishing and maintaining a safe and secure environment in schools a copy of this guide is free to download from the secured by design website http www.securedbydesign.com/professionals/guides.aspx whilst this also deals with the wider issues of crime and security many of the physical controls it advocates would where able to be implemented demonstrate you have taken reasonable control of visitors during the school day 6 8 9 the following advice is based upon the content of secured by design -schools perimeter fencing 10 the boundary of the school to be clearly defined and consistent around the entire perimeter fencing and gates should be in good condition at least 1.8 metres high fencing >2m high may require planning permission particularly if adjacent to a highway for effective security fencing such as weldmesh super 70 etc is recommended chain link should not be used for new installations as it s easily distorted or removed and is an ineffectual barrier to intruders unless particularly dense and well developed hedging is generally not acceptable robust planting in conjunction with secure fencing can help aesthetically 11 12 gates 13 lockable perimeter gates with anti lift hinges should match fencing heights avoid features which assist climbing gates should always be locked when the school is not in use closing gates both pedestrian and vehicle during the school day can also provide a deterrent to casual access 14 safeguarding physical security visitor control 2 of 4

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site layout 15 clear boundaries and signage removes any excuse for visitors wandering and aids staff in challenging those on site prominent signage should be displayed at all access points car park etc directing visitors to the main entrance other services on site and internally to the reception point if required clearly defined routes to be in place between site entrances and main reception with direct access to children by visitors to be avoided this may require additional fencing internally to assist in `directing visitors to the main entrance and restrict uncontrolled access to other areas of the site e.g playgrounds the height and style of such fencing will vary according to location and aesthetic of the school generally 1.2m high would be recommended as a minimum height the number of entrance points on to the school site during the day reduced to the minimum practicable and preferably restricted to one multiple pedestrian routes to be available only at the beginning and end of the school day e.g locked unlocked by site staff main access route to have natural informal surveillance where sites are very large and/or have multiple buildings consideration should be given to fencing in strategic internal locations to create an inner cordon instead either circling the buildings or linking them together 16 17 18 19 20 building design 21 casual access to other parts of the premises should be prevented as far as practicable and the number of freely available access doors minimised external classroom doors can be made more secure through simple measures such as removal of the external handle in order it may be opened from inside only or access restricted to staff use e.g through keypad proximity reader etc where such doors are designed to be used as a fire exit they must remain immediately openable internally without the use of a key 22 23 reception 24 reception to have full view of anyone entering the school and be in close proximity to the main entrance visitor access to be controlled by reception through an electronic entry system such as intercom buzzer entry 25 safeguarding physical security visitor control 3 of 4

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26 where practicable visitors should enter into a secure sterile lobby area with access beyond reception controlled by office staff numeric key pads proximity readers etc similar entry systems may also be required on other external internal doors in addition to the main entrance key codes on security doors should be regularly changed including when a member of staff leaves 27 electronic access doors 28 · · · · in all cases doors with electronic locks fitted must fail in the open position and open automatically upon:operation of the fire alarm system loss of electrical power operation of an adjacent override loss of power fault with the fire alarm system procedures for dealing with visitors 29 all visitors including contractors should sign in and be asked to produce evidence of their identity ­where appropriate school sites should institute an identity badge system to enable staff to differentiate between authorised callers and those who have not followed the required reporting procedure staff should be instructed to politely challenge any person not displaying identification and direct them to the main reception pupils should be encouraged to inform staff of any suspicious people they have seen 30 31 further information 32 further advice on is obtainable from · your local crime prevention officer contact details are available by entering your postcode or council ward and district in the following link http www.herts.police.uk/neighbourhood_policing/meet.php · 33 the health and safety education team on 01992 556478 a searchable register of hcc approved contractors is available on technology forge access requires school login password http herts.technologyforge.com/tfweb section l of property matters provides detailed guidance on site security issues 34 safeguarding physical security visitor control 4 of 4

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