The role of the head teacher

The head teacher is responsible for implementing the security policy agreed by the governing body and for ensuring that:

All staff appreciate the importance of security and understand the school's policy and their own responsibilities
Staff training needs are kept under review and training is arranged as necessary
Parents are informed of the security policy and are encouraged to help where appropriate
Regular reports are made to the governing body and, where appropriate, the LEA
Advice is obtained from the police, and mechanisms are in place for continuing liaison with them (e.g. regarding local crime patterns)
There is an established method of contacting the police in the event of emergency (and that all staff know what it is)
All crimes are reported to the police
There are specific periodic surveys or risk assessments of security arrangements
There are regular routine security checks

The head teacher, in consultation with staff and the governing body, will determine which tasks and functions to delegate to whom.

Pupils should be encouraged to play their part. Parents should be informed that a policy is in place to safeguard the welfare of pupils and staff. They need to know what is required of them to make that policy work and how they can help beyond that minimum.

Source: Improving Security in Schools: Managing School Facilities Guide 4, Department for Education and Employment, the Stationery Office, 1996.

School emergency-management plan Health and safety in schools School security The role of the local education authority The role of the governing body The role of the head teacher Involving staff, pupils and parents Educational visits First aid Evacuation procedures Calling emergency services Counselling Media handling Communicating with parents	The role of the head teacher The head teacher is responsible for implementing the security policy agreed by the governing body and for ensuring that: All staff appreciate the importance of security and understand the school's policy and their own responsibilities Staff training needs are kept under review and training is arranged as necessary Parents are informed of the security policy and are encouraged to help where appropriate Regular reports are made to the governing body and, where appropriate, the LEA Advice is obtained from the police, and mechanisms are in place for continuing liaison with them (e.g. regarding local crime patterns) There is an established method of contacting the police in the event of emergency (and that all staff know what it is) All crimes are reported to the police There are specific periodic surveys or risk assessments of security arrangements There are regular routine security checks The head teacher, in consultation with staff and the governing body, will determine which tasks and functions to delegate to whom. Pupils should be encouraged to play their part. Parents should be informed that a policy is in place to safeguard the welfare of pupils and staff. They need to know what is required of them to make that policy work and how they can help beyond that minimum. Source: Improving Security in Schools: Managing School Facilities Guide 4, Department for Education and Employment, the Stationery Office, 1996.
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.