Safety and security in schools

Safety and security of a child are paramount concerns of any parent when choosing a school for their child. Schools should be able to demonstrate and convince its stake holders that, the health, safety and security measures and standards are in place, to establish trust between parents and schools.

Establishing and monitoring safety procedures applicable to infrastructure, transport, human resources as well as the emotional and physical well-being of children within the school campus, creates a safe learning environment. It is a strong enabler to encourage teachers to teach with greater passion and students to learn more effectively.
Some important parameters to be kept in mind are:

Some key points

1. Installation of CCTV cameras at all vulnerable areas of the school.
2. Limit the entry of outsiders within the school premises.
3. Background verification and employment of support staff from authorised agencies only.
4. Physical and psychological safety of children to promote learning.
5. Safe school transport.
6. Secure boundary walls.
7. Supervised toilet visits for small children.
8. First aid facilities.
9. Food storage areas.
10. Emergency evacuation procedures in case of fire or earthquake.
11. Clean and sufficient water.
12. Hygienic sanitary facilities.
13. Outdoor play space and equipment.

The school should adhere to the following procedures to maintain school safety ;

• Establish internal safety audit structure & school readiness self-assessment system or committee.

• Develop an open and near-miss reporting system;

• Develop school-wide safety policies and integrate with technology to develop school security SOPS and school emergency preparedness (EP) instructions.

The safety, security and hygiene are integral components in a child’s learning. Hence all parents must not only be aware but also completely reassured and satisfied before they choose to entrust their child to an organisation which is the threshold of life.

Written by

Punam Mehrotra

B.A, B.ed Lucknow University

Former Head of Department English, St. Anthony’s Sr. Sec School