School security
Specific responsibility for school security is not set
down in legislation. School security is related to health and safety and so
whoever has responsibility for health and safety should consider what security
measures are necessary to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety
of the staff and pupils. Schools need to be aware of their own security
needs.
This area provides links to a legal overview and practical guidance on school
security issued by this Department and others, and information about the
Working Group on School Security (WGSS) set up after the stabbing of head
teacher Philip Lawrence in December 1995.
When, after screening or otherwise, schools in England suspect a pupil has a weapon, they can now search that pupil without consent. The new power came into force 31 May 2007 and guidance can be accessed at the link below.
-
Guidance on Screening and Searching of Pupils for Weapons
Last updated: 30 April 2008
