How are schools improving security ?
There are often multiple buildings in a school , each with several access points , open areas between buildings , play areas for the pupils to use at break times , and external sports facilities .
The selection of any perimeter security measures is chosen , not just for the level of protection offered and the inevitable cost factor , but also to meet any local planning regulations . This considers the opinions of local residents and any existing factors with neighbouring premises and land which could assist in the perimeter being breached , whilst maintaining a welcoming appearance for the school .
So what can be done ?
In the first instance , we should develop a school security policy that identifies the risks and puts controls in place to minimise the danger to staff , pupils and visitors . We should also set budgets to help prevent security and safety breaches , and educate staff to be ‘ security aware ’.
Having one main entrance in use during the daytime makes monitoring of strangers much easier . School gates should be kept locked out of
school hours to make it harder for intruders . Doors and windows should be locked when not in use or after school hours , making it as difficult as possible for the opportunist criminal to enter .
Staff must demonstrate a clear understanding of what security means , with a clear policy in place and knowledge of what their role may be to ensure a school remains safe . Who is responsible for locking up and what steps are taken if there are strangers or potential intruders on site .
There are also a number of cost effective and simple ways to improve the security of a school that will not impact on the aesthetics or affect learning timetables , yet still make a big difference .
The best place to start is by our professional locksmiths offering risk assessment services to work from the ground up to support security upgrades .
By example , whilst the aesthetics are an important consideration for schools , it is important to also ensure that any selected perimeter security measures achieve their objective .
The secure perimeter will include one or more access routes which are in use throughout the times the school is open . This is normally the main entrance and possibly a separate route for deliveries , and possibly some access routes used only at certain times of day , e . g . the time immediately before and after the normal school day .
For this to provide a secure environment , other entrances need to have a form of access control , such as Mul-T-Lock ’ s SMARTair or eCLIQ solution to prevent any unobserved entry .
Moving inwards towards the school and realising the out of hours threats as more of the wider community utilise school facilities , there are additional security measures available . Again , small changes can make a significant difference to the classroom security .
School security policy
One main daytime entrance Assign Access Permissions
Locations
School Gate
Doors Windows
Specialists options Classroom Cylinder
This unique Mul-T-Lock mechanism has been designed to prevent pupils from locking doors whilst teaching staff can gain access at all times .
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Potential weak points
Deliveries
Lost Keys
Staff leaving
The introduction of a patented master key suite is one solution , with Mul-T-Lock offering versatile robust platforms such as MTL300 , which is compatible with our new antibacterial keys and designed to promote security and long-term durability .