In the wake of evolving security threats, the Department for Education (DfE) has introduced the Protective Security and Preparedness for Education Settings guidance. This non-statutory framework is designed to assist educational institutions in England—ranging from early years settings to higher education—in bolstering their preparedness against terrorism and other major incidents. By implementing simple, cost-effective strategies, schools can ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
Key Components of the Guidance
1. Appointing a Security Lead
Each institution should designate a ‘Security Lead,’ typically a senior staff member, responsible for developing and maintaining protective security policies and plans. During an incident, this individual may assume the role of ‘Incident Lead,’ making critical decisions to ensure safety.
2. Embedding a Security Culture
Fostering a security-conscious environment is essential. This involves training staff to identify vulnerabilities, report suspicious activities, and respond appropriately during incidents. Interactive resources, such as the ACT for Education e-learning module, can aid in this endeavor.
3. Developing a Protective Security Plan
Schools should create and regularly update a comprehensive security plan that includes risk assessments identifying potential threats, clear response procedures for various scenarios, communication strategies during and after an incident, and post-incident welfare and support mechanisms.
4. Implementing Protective Measures
Practical steps to enhance security include establishing secure perimeters and access controls, training staff in emergency procedures like ‘RUN, HIDE, TELL,’ and utilizing tools such as the See, Check and Notify (SCaN) protocol to identify and report suspicious activities.
5. Tailoring Plans to Specific Needs
Recognizing the diverse nature of educational settings, plans should be adaptable to cater to the unique requirements of different institutions, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Implementation Steps for Schools
Schools can begin by designating a Security Lead to oversee planning and response. Conducting a thorough risk assessment helps identify threats specific to the setting and community. From there, schools should develop a detailed security plan that incorporates the guidance’s recommendations and train staff and students to respond confidently to incidents. Regular drills and scenario-based exercises ensure that plans remain effective and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
Effective communication is another cornerstone of preparedness. Schools should establish clear internal and external communication channels to keep staff, students, and parents informed. Coordination with local authorities, law enforcement, and safeguarding partners strengthens the overall protective framework.
Finally, schools should regularly review and update their security plans to reflect changes in risk levels, staffing, or premises. Embedding a culture of continuous improvement ensures that safety measures remain robust and relevant.
For schools looking to support leaders and staff with training on this guidance, Edushield offers a free CPD slide deck that can be used to run sessions and embed awareness across your team. Access it here: https://www.edushield.org.uk/freecpd/