Security Policy

Security Policy
Newtown Primary

This policy should be read in conjunction with other policies related to school security.
It attempts to clarify security matters not already covered in other policies.

Rationale
This policy attempts to define the particular security arrangements that are in place at Newtown Primary. It should be read in conjunction with other related policies. This policy is an update of previous policies.

Aims

We aim to:

- Provide a school and environment that is as secure and safe as possible.

Objectives

The school will:

- Provide as secure an environment for pupils and staff to work in.
- Continually review arrangements in order to provide the maximum security.
- Work to improve the existing environment that Newtown Primary already has.

Process

There are a number of key areas that are important in terms of security;

- Before School safety checks
The Site Manager will check all areas of the school internally and externally on a daily basis to ensure security.

- Access to school
School has installed a security system that operates through a buzzer system through which people entering school can be identified. This system will operate from 0850 until the Site Manager leaves at 6.00pm. It will also remain on during any evening activity aside from Parent consultations (it would be impossible to action this because of the sheer volume of people entering. The front doors of the school are only operable through a high level switch. Video links are provided for each Admin member of staff, the staff room and Hall, from which the doors can be operated.


- Children entering and leaving school playground
Infant children enter school from the side Infant age after a short while of being in Reception. A teacher will be on duty from 0840 until the gate is locked at 0850. This gate remains locked until home time (1500). Juniors enter through the Junior gate from 0840 until this gate is locked at 0850. This gate remains locked until 1500 when it is unlocked by the Site Manager.


- St Vincent's Field
St Vincent's Field is not owned by the school, does not come under our jurisdiction, is widely regarded as a public open space and used as such. This is an entirely unsatisfactory matter which both the Governors and Headteacher are trying to resolve.To date the matter has been reported to Mr Dave Moore ( County Health and Safety Adviser)and Mr David Gott (County Inspector for Physical Education).
To enable the provision of the National Curriculum in PE and Games, the school will use the field as has been advised in the report by Mr David Gott.
Before any sports lesson takes place, a visual check should be made by a member of staff to check for broken glass, rubbish and dog excrement.
Whilst a lesson is underway, staff will remain vigilant to the threat posed by members of the public walking their dogs. If there is any doubt, the class will be led from the field following a blast from the whistle.
When the field is dry, playtimes will be permitted in a coned off area of the field. Space is at a premium. Again, the above procedures will be in place.

- Fencing

The school has spent considerable money on raising the level of the school fencing surrounding the playground. There are gates for both Infants and Juniors. Juniors will be permitted to collect balls from St Vincent's field only if they have sought the permission of the member of staff on duty.

- Staff car Park

The school has also spent considerable resources on securing the car park with metal fencing. The front gates to the car park will be closed (but not locked to allow access) from 0830 through to 1200 and then from 1315 until 1500. The second pair of gates will remain locked unless being opened for deliveries. The pedestrian gates will also remain shut.
The fencing has improved security greatly since its introduction.

- The school has clear Evacuation procedures. In the event of the school being forced to evacuate for a long period of time, then the local church, Christ Church would be possible as a long term evacuation site. At the time of writing this policy, the Headteacher is awaiting written confirmation from the church over this arrangement.

- Visits by Nuclear Vessels to Portsmouth Harbour

Very occasionally, there are visits to Portsmouth Harbour by nuclear vessels. In the very unlikely event of there being a major event, the school will follow the procedures recommended by Hampshire county Council to administer Potassium Iodate Tablets. The Headteacher has a letter from the Hampshire County Council giving authority to the school to administer the tablets.



- Adventure Trail Infant Playground

A low level Adventure Trail is in place in the Infant playground. It complies with county standards and has been installed to give the pupils an activity involving co-ordination and dexterity at playtimes.
The Head of the Infants will check the trail on a daily basis to deem whether it is dry enough to use. If deemed to be unsuitable, the trail will be put out of bounds by marking it with cones.

- Data Protection Act

The school complies fully with the latest Data protection Act. No name, address or telephone number will be provided to a third party without consent being given.


This policy was reviewed in October 2004. Back to top