Call for improved school security

Call for improved school security

Teaching union NASUWT says more needs to be done to ensure our schools are safe from acts of violence. Chris Keates, general secretary of NASUWT, was speaking on this week's 10^th anniversary of the Dunblane primary school massacre, in which 16 children and a teacher were killed when Thomas Hamilton went on an horrific shooting spree before killing himself. She said: 'Although fortunately such incidents are extremely rare, Dunblane rightly focused attention on the need to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to ensure schools remain relatively safe havens of peace and security. Schools are increasingly conscious of the need for constant vigilance and have been supported by a range of national and local initiatives.' She added that while much had been achieved, more needed to be done, 'particularly in raising awareness of emerging evidence that school security may more effectively be tackled by nil or low-cost measures such as a single entry system and a clear procedure for managing visitors, rather than expensive electronic surveillance equipment. It is also crucial to remember that school security is not just about responding to external threats. Strategies for tackling violent and disruptive behaviour of pupils and a clear behaviour policy are integral to creating a safe and secure environment.'

• NASUWT news release. The Scotsman. BBC News Online.