Category Archives: Safety and Security

Body cameras to be trialled in the education sector

The effectiveness of body cameras being used in the classroom is to be trialled by teachers at two schools in the UK, according to a report by the Times Education Supplement (TES).

Both of the unnamed schools have already started to look at early ideas into how they will implement the technology, with an initial idea being that teachers will wear the cameras on their clothes and the technology will be filming continuously.

However, teachers wearing the equipment would be required to activate a switch on the devices for incidents to be recorded and encrypted footage to be saved. As such, wearers of the technology are being encouraged to only switch their cameras to recording mode when ‘low-level’ incidents are developing. Furthermore, they have also been told that they will need to give notice before beginning a recording.

Tom Ellis, a principal lecturer at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at Portsmouth University, explains: “There’s very much an emphasis on getting rid of low-level disruption or disorder in the classroom.”

A similar move has already been implemented in schools across the US, while two UK police forces have also pioneered their own technique for using body cameras — see more details about this particular development by clicking here.

In regards to introducing body cameras in the classroom, Mr Ellis is confident that the technology can act as a deterrent. He expanded: “It can be used for self-reflection. It can be shown back to the pupil, one-on-one, and that can have a positive impact without the need to resort to disciplinary process.”

The trial already has a lot of support too, as evidenced by a TES poll which was reported on by the Independent.

According to the survey of over 600 teachers, 37.7 percent expressed that they were in favour of body cameras being used in the classroom. Around two-thirds also expressed that they would feel safer in their working environment thanks to the technology, while 10.9 percent were confident that the equipment will become compulsory in the future.

Body cameras may be a relatively new concept in the UK’s education sector, but the following examples showcase that CCTV systems have already been introduced in schools across the county in an effective manner:

  • Video Content Analysis systems, so that analysis of CCTV images can be carried out to provide meaningful information. For example…
  • The identification of whether objects have been removed from a certain area of the school.
  • The analysis of CCTV images in order to identify specific patterns, like smoke when addressing arson attacks.
  • The ability to establish virtual tripwires that trigger an alert, should someone attempt to cross a specific boundary – eliminating the need to erect walls or fencing at these locations.
  • CCTV in classrooms to address issues of bullying and also assist with teacher training — for the latter, this technology can be used as an alternative to having a teaching colleague present in the classroom throughout the entire lesson.
  • Access control systems, such as those provided by award-winning security specialist 2020 Vision, are specifically designed for educational establishments, so that security personnel can keep updated about who is in a facility once they have been added to turnstiles, gates and barriers throughout the institute.

 

The most amazing space generator for schools ever

Are you worried that your sheds and outbuildings are not as secure as you would like them to be? Perhaps you’ve already suffered from an attack by thieves or vandals. Would you like one central place to keep all the things you need rather than having them scattered throughout the school?

A secure, weatherproof container is the answer to all these problems and more but don’t just take our word for it. Debbie Stephens, Business Manager at Perry Court School, told us:

“Having been broken into 3 times and had all the equipment taken and our sheds broken, not only did we have to keep replacing everything but our insurance company refused to insure us.  Since we have had our container in place we have had no attempts by people to break in, no arson and no vandalism.  The container is green so it blends into the environment perfectly and we use it every day.” Debbie also told us that she believes wooden sheds are false economy because the locks are flimsy and can easily be kicked in and shipping containers last a lot longer. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!

Prior Park College in Bath bought two containers to replace their tatty sheds which were deteriorating. They have helped tidy the area up and Mike Crudge told us “We tried everybody but Container Team delivered what we wanted and came in on price.”

Mark Malone from Salesian School, Surrey is using his container to keep tools and furniture in. Previously these things were all over the place, so the container has helped centralise things and has given them much more storage space within the school. He said “Container Team turned up when they said they would, they are competitively priced and it is what it says on the tin – a container for storage purposes”

Site Managers all over the country have already discovered the benefits of using our containers. Our high security locking system ensures that your equipment will be stored securely.

Containers are affordable whether you hire or buy, starting at only £12 per week. The lease can be as short as a month and in some schools the cost is met by PTA.

A wide range of sizes is available starting at garden shed size right up to a whopping 40ft long unit. If you have an awkward space, we can manufacture a unit to fit it.

For more information and case studies please check out our website storage-for-schools.co.uk.

We deal with schools on a daily basis so we’ll be able to answer all your questions and offer plenty of help and advice. Just call Sarah on her direct number 01934 245026 or email sarah@containerteam.co.uk and we’ll see what we can do to help you.

A worrying number of schools contain asbestos, it’s a potential issue for nurseries too

We all know the dangers associated with asbestos, but how certain can you be that it is not contained within your nursery?

Worryingly it has been reported that between 200 and 300 former school children and a rising number of teachers die of mesothelioma each year, thought to be caused by the asbestos found in 86% of school buildings across the UK.

But obviously this is a potential issue in nurseries too.

It is important that all staff, particularly those responsible for the running of the buildings, are made aware of the potential hazards.  All staff should be instructed not to disturb or damage asbestos containing materials. Damage to nursery fixtures or fittings that could lead to the release of asbestos fibres need to be reported.

How do I know if asbestos is present and how do we manage it?

The Asbestos Man is able to work with you to devise and implement a comprehensive Asbestos policy that starts with a consultation, followed by a full site survey including the analysis of any suspect materials.

We will compile a user friendly report containing photographs, annotated plans and the appropriate recommendations from the survey findings. Where asbestos has been identified we will then work with you to put in place a management plan so that the occupants of the premises are protected.

For nurseries where budget does not allow a full site survey we can, in many cases, update an existing survey.

It is a legal requirement to undertake a refurbishment or demolition survey for asbestos containing materials prior to any works taking place.

If you have any enquiries regarding asbestos please do not hesitate to call (quoting reference code HH1):-

  Alan the Asbestos Man on 07510 104323

info@theasbestosman.co.uk

www.theasbestosman.co.uk

To view my Checkatrade page please click this link www.checkatrade.com/TheAsbestosMan/

 

What’s the most effective way of ensuring that no new school equipment is “lost”?

It is strange to think that there is a very simple process which, if carried out at the right time, will eliminate the chance of equipment being “lost” from the school premises.

Strange, because not only is it simple but also very low cost – and yet not every school follows the process.

All one has to do – and this is what increasing numbers of schools do each year – is order enough SILVER MARK security labels ready for the new equipment that arrives in September or during the summer break.

Sadly, what does happen in some cases is that the labels are not ordered until after the new equipment has arrived and been put to use – which can of course be a little too late.

ID SILVER MARK are precision cut stencil labels which are ideal for labelling IT equipment (including iPads, tablets, and mobiles) as no one can remove the label without it fragmenting and even if they get peeled off, the UV paint still shows the school name and postcode.

This system is also ideal for tracking equipment if it goes missing. Thus the ID SILVER MARK enables you to protect your valuable equipment with a permanent visual security mark and to keep a record of each item so marked.

Better still, the police and insurance companies have noted that the ID MARK conforms to Home Office Guidelines – by using your school name and postcode as a way of identifying your property, this helps with item recovery in case of theft.

ID SILVER MARK is available in black or silver materials with permanent adhesive. All Dantech asset identification labels are personalised with your school name as well as sequential numbering.

There is more information on our website.

If you would like to know more please do get in touch – we are very happy to discuss your marking requirements throughout the school. Just call Dantech on 01354 688 488 or email us at dantech@btconnect.com for free and unbiased help and advice.

An effective way of dealing with parent parking in a friendly way.

Parking both in and outside school is a fairly emotive issue and can lead to increased tensions among staff and parents at those peak busy times of the day.

There are many ways to approach the issue, from naming and shaming the guilty parties to bringing in official traffic controllers.

One simple way however to reduce the problem is to use parking signs, but parking signs with a difference.

Upson Downs have developed a set of signs ‘Parent Calming Parking’ which not only get your message on parking across they are presented in such a way that they are friendly and at the same time emphasise that the reason for parking restrictions is not to make life inconvenient for the parents but to protect the children themselves.

What’s more, at no extra charge, the characters’ jumper colours can be changed to match your school’s uniform.

WEEDON BEC_parkingsign

Below are some more samples of our friendly, ‘Parent Calming Parking’ but effective signs.

https://www.upsondowns.co.uk/safety-signs/parent-calming-parking.html

Orders placed before the end of July will get a 10% discount if you Quote code MCHH1.

To order call 01423 521654 or fax us 0844 443 2455
Email info@upsondowns.co.uk

Upson Downs Ltd
13 Claro Court Business Centre
Claro Road, Harrogate
North Yorkshire, HG1 4BA

 

School Policy Update: Advice to schools from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office

Towards the end of last month (January 2016) bomb threats became very real for some 18 schools in the UK (14 of these in the West Midlands), and thousands of pupils were evacuated as a result.

And only last week Nottingham Girls’ High School was evacuated as a result of intelligence that suggested a terrorist threat.

Thankfully, that is all they have been – threats and intelligence. However, in response to these incidents the National Counter Terrorism Security Office has published a press release advising school leaders to review their protective security measures.

The problem with creating a policy (or indeed, any policy) which incorporates a procedure for what to do in the event of a terror attack on the school, is that it can take up a substantial amount of time that you and your colleagues don’t have to spare.

Which is why we create, adjust, amend, and update school policies on your behalf.

Counter terrorism and protective security school policies that we have created already include School Crisis Management Policy, School Security Policy, Intruders Policy, CCTV Policy, School Disaster Recovery Policy, and the Accidents and Emergencies Policy, to name a few.

Policies for Schools have created over 290 school policies covering 20 different statutory areas. Our policies are easy to customise and thus will save you a considerable amount of time when one or more of your school policies require attention.

What’s more, if you have a specific need of a policy which isn’t listed on the website, we will create it for you. You can find our full list of school policies by clicking here.

To subscribe to Policies for Schools, visit www.policiesforschools.co.uk.

Or, if you’d like to view a few sample policies beforehand, we have provided the following policies which are available to download free of charge by clicking here:

  • Calming Room Policy
  • Professional Learning Communities Policy
  • School Website Policy

Alternatively, if you would like to know more about our service, you can email us at sales@policiesforschools.co.uk,  call us on 01600 891 506, or write to us at Teachers Resource Centre Ltd, Wyastone Business Park, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.

 

86% of school buildings contain asbestos, yet 44% of teachers are unaware that their school is one.

Naturally, as time goes on, buildings age. And whilst this might increase their value, it also increases the likelihood of the building containing substances which have been found to harm the health of those inhabiting it on a regular basis.

Kevin Courtney, NUT general Secretary, reported that between 200 and 300 former school children and a rising number of teachers die of mesothelioma each year, thought to be caused by the asbestos found in 86% of school building across the UK.

NUT lead on asbestos, Sarah Lyons, commented, “The asbestos that’s in our schools now is getting older and older, so it’s deteriorating and if it’s in a poor condition then it’s in a more dangerous state”

So where does the responsibility lie?

The responsibility for managing asbestos in schools lies with the duty holder, this is normally the employer which in state schools is often the local authority. For academies, free schools, voluntary-aided and foundation schools, it will be the school governors, proprietor or trustees.

It is important that all staff, particularly those responsible for the running of the buildings, are made aware of the potential hazards.  All staff should be instructed not to disturb or damage asbestos containing materials, Damage to school fixtures or fittings that could lead to the release of asbestos fibres need to be reported.

How does the school know if there is asbestos present and how does it manage it?

The Asbestos Man is able to work with you to devise and implement a comprehensive Asbestos policy that starts with a consultation, followed by a full site survey including the analysis of any suspect materials. We will compile a user friendly report containing photographs, annotated plans and the appropriate recommendations from the survey findings. Where asbestos has been identified we will then work with you to put in place a management plan so that the occupants of the premises are protected.

We can’t afford a full survey

For schools where budget does not allow a full site survey we can in many cases update an existing survey.

Did you know?
It is a legal requirement to undertake a refurbishment or demolition survey for asbestos containing materials prior to any works taking place.

If you have any enquiries regarding asbestos please do not hesitate to call:-

  Alan the Asbestos Man on 07510104323

 info@theasbestosman.co.uk

 www.theasbestosman.co.uk

Incident Management – A simple solution

Schools today are complex and demanding environments presenting a range of difficult situations.

Recent experiences have demonstrated the importance of effective safety and security – for both staff and pupils. This comes on top of corporate responsibility legislation to protect staff.

Managing these situations effectively requires a reliable and flexible communication system. Our range of communication solutions help you to deliver a safer learning environment for everyone.

Typical problems that we address or improve are;

  • Senior Leadership Team communication
  • Incident management
  • First aid and emergency response
  • Staff Safety and lone worker protection
  • Site security and intruder alerting
  • School evacuation or lockdown
  • Site & facility staff communication
  • Truancy patrols and disruptive pupil response teams

From simple, compact two-way radios that provide fast and direct communication across a campus to advanced digital systems that can integrate with fire alarms, panic buttons and door entry systems, Nationwide Radio Supplies has the experience you can rely on.

Site staff working alone can be protected with a range of measures – from radio mounted panic buttons to automatic man-down alarms – all integrated into the core radio system and keeping them in touch with colleagues throughout the school and off-site!

Even the simplest two-way radio systems help with everyday management around your campus by allowing you to pass messages and instructions quickly and easily. This ensures that staff and teams remain co-ordinated and informed at all times.

Our advanced bespoke solutions can be integrated with third party systems including email and mobile phones for complete flexibility and system redundancy.

With many years experience servicing the education sector we ensure that our solutions are cost-effective, simple and powerful.

You need complete confidence when choosing the right solution, so we can also offer free on-site demonstrations and trial periods, all without obligation.

Mention this email when responding and enjoy up to £20 additional discount per radio!

If you need more information or wish to discuss your schools requirements in detail, call us now on 0800 084 27 99 or email sales@nrsupplies.co.uk and we’ll get straight back to you.

What is the most effective way of reducing the likelihood of opportunists stealing your school’s laptops, Chromebooks, iPads and tablets?

A couple of month ago a School Crime Report was released revealing that in 2014 30,000 crimes were reported in schools – 43% of which involved theft.

As with most crimes, the culprits were opportunists. And your school’s ICT classroom, where portable, high value items such as laptops, Chromebooks, iPads and tablets are stored, presents the perfect opportunity for thieves.

One way that you can protect your school from these crimes is, of course, by improving security with, for example, CCTV and burglar alarms, but the most effective (and least expensive) way to protect your school from opportunists is by removing the opportunity.

This can be achieved by ensuring that at the end of each day your school’s devices are out of sight, housed in a charging trolley with a secure locking system which can then be taken to a location within the school which either has heightened security or is unlikely to be sought out as a source of IT equipment – or, indeed, both.

Our charging trolleys are ideal for housing and charging an array of school devices for not only are they secure, but they are also safe in terms of the reduced risk that they pose to your pupils and colleagues compared to other traditional charging trolleys.

This is because the trolley’s robust ABS plastic shell (which is, of course, non-conductive) will ensure that electrical faults are isolated at once. And as the trolley is 70% lighter than a traditional metal charging trolley, it can also reduce the risk of injury when it’s being wheeled from A to B.

Our plastic charging trolley is also safer for the environment, as the built-in Power Management system features an energy-saving timer module which will help to reduce your school’s carbon footprint. Not to mention that the trolley is 100% recyclable.

To review all the details and see the pictures, please visit our site at www.nuwco.com.

Just choose the device that you think is right for you, click on that trolley, and you will be able to see a full description, including the dimensions. You will also be able to download the product specification and device compatibility sheet – in fact, everything you need to know.

If you have any questions please do call 01628 666 775 or email me at sales@nuwco.com

Ashley Hutton

Improving the safety and security of your university’s devices

What is the most effective way of improving the safety and security of the laptops, Chromebooks, iPads,
or tablets in your university?

An increasing number of ICT Technicians are finding that by using a plastic charging trolley to house their university’s laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, or tablets, they are better able to guarantee that they are safe and secure.

The ABS charging trolley supplied by NUWCO has a secure locking system, making it difficult for anyone to access it to steal the devices stored inside.

Therefore the difficulty of breaking into the trolley, or even attempting to steal the trolley itself, is a strong deterrent for any potential thief.

In terms of safety, the trolley’s plastic shell (which is, of course, non-conductive) will ensure that electrical faults are isolated at once, so reducing the risk of a student or colleague coming to any harm.

And the plastic construction means that the trolley is 70% lighter than a traditional metal charging trolley, making it much easier to move around and less likely to cause any injury when it is being wheeled from one location to another.

Furthermore, it is also better for the environment as the built-in Power Management system features an energy-saving timer module which will help to reduce your university’s carbon footprint.

Not to mention that the trolley is 100% recyclable.

To review all the details and see the pictures please visit our site at www.nuwco.com

Just choose the device that you think is right for your university, click on that trolley, and you will be able to see a full description, including the dimensions. You will also be able to download the product specification and device compatibility sheet – in fact, everything you need to know.

But if you do have any questions, please do call 01628 666 775 or email me at sales@nuwco.com  

Ashley Hutton

It’ll stop them losing it

When it comes to students losing their keys or cards, how can your school save time and money on organising a replacement?

The answer lies not with organising a replacement, but instead with preventing your students from losing their locker key, lunch card, or registration card, for example, in the first place.

And an increasing number of secondary schools are finding that issuing their students with lanyards (so they can keep everything together and on them at all times) is an effective way of reducing the incidence of students losing such important items.

Saving schools a significant amount of time and money on organising replacements.

Image Logo regularly supplies secondary schools with lanyards for their students that have on them the school’s branding (including its name and contact details). This ensures that, if a student does actually manage to lose it, there’s a reasonable chance that it will be returned to the school.

We have a choice of lanyards in our range, including:

Ribbon Lanyards

Top Lanyards

And 10mm Lanyards.

You can find more information about our lanyards at the website links above. If you require any other information or have any questions please do email sales@image-logo.co.uk or call 01323 745710.

Delivery normally takes 15-20 working days from artwork approval, but just in case time is tight we do have a wide range of Express items which could be turned around in 5 days (from artwork approval).

What’s more, if you are looking at getting any other branded items for your school, Image Logo UK Ltd has a wide range of different products available, all of which can be marked up with any details of the school that you wish. You can see the whole range on our e-book.

Nicole Carter
www.image-logo.co.uk