Staff and pupils need to be able to work and learn in a safe and secure environment. Recent tragic incidents, although rare, have highlighted the real need for all schools to review their security arrangements.

Following a review at St. David's school in the summer term 1996, the Governors prioritised the need to monitor the arrival of all visitors to the school. A porch has now been erected, linking into the main entrance with a digital access control panel. A prominent sign directs all visitors to report to the main entrance where they are vetted by the school secretary or a member of staff, before gaining entry to the school. The following guidelines have also been implemented:

* All visitors admitted into school will be issued with an identification tag, which they will wear during the time they remain on school premises.

* Pupils must not approach any stranger who is not wearing an identification tag and should report any strangers immediately to the nearest member of staff.

* Parents must obtain permission to take children out of school       during the school day and should inform the school if pupils are to be collected by anyone other than the parent/s at the end of the school day.

 

Good security involves the co-operation and support of Governors, staff pupils and parents. A whole school security plan which includes the installation of access control panels for all external exit doors (excluding fire exits) has been devised and whilst the visitor reception procedure is proving to be very effective, security arrangements at St. David's school will be regularly monitored and reviewed.