Safeguarding is making sure that children are safe and protected from harm at school or college. This also includes preventing risks like abuse, neglect or any other danger that could affect a child’s wellbeing.
Schools have put security measures in place these come in 5 forms
Perimeter security, surveillance, emergency planning, cyber security and staff vetting.
Perimeter security: limiting and monitoring who can enter the school.
Schools must have electronic gates, fences and barrier systems to prevent unauthorised access.
keycards, fobs or biometric scanners are required for staff.
Identification badges are also required or staff, students and visitors .
Surveillance: Monitoring the school grounds helps prevent vandalism, unauthorised intrusion, and internal incidents.
CCTV cameras are put in place to monitor everything that is going on at the school ground. They are also used in hallways and entry points.
security lighting ensures that pathways and parking areas are lit to deter intruders and trespassers.
Emergency planning and lockdown: Lock down protocols are put in place in schools to ensure the safety of staff and students. This protocol is done by locking doors, covering every window and staying out of sight.
Schools have regular drills, rehearsing evacuation and lockdown procedures frequently to ensure all staff and students know exactly how to respond.
Panic alarms and fire alarms are put in place to quickly sound an alarm and notify security or local emergency services.
Cyber security and data protetion: Safeguarding extends to the digital realm, protecting sensitive personal and medical data from breaches.
Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorised access to the schools private network.
Schools use online safety policies
Staff vetting and training:
DBS checks