With terrible incidents in the USA, it’s no wonder that many parents ask the question of whether something like that could ever happen in our schools. Luckily, we have only had three mass shooting incidents in this country, these being in Hungerford in Berkshire and Dunblane in Scotland and Cumbria. The ability to buy automatic weapons isn’t an option open to the British people as it constitutionally is to the North Americans. So it is very difficult to get hold of such things. Even so, there is every reason why we should look to keep children safe in school.
One of the best ways is to track the visitors to the school in the first place. A Visitor Management System, like that from www.ofec.co.uk/visitor-management-system-uk.aspx is a great way to keep track of everyone that comes into and out of the building. It means that no one can access the place without passing through reception and getting a visitors pass and lanyard.
Good practice should be trained on all staff to challenge anyone who isn’t showing the pass and lanyard. If they can’t answer with a good reason, then they should be escorted directly to the reception area and made sure that they have one.
It is customary for us to see schools surrounded by high metal fences, in stark contrast to the very open environment that many of us found in the 1970s and 80s. It is a sign of our times, but it is necessary.