There are many elements of school security, from the safety of students to the security of the buildings, and today we’ll be talking about how to keep valuables safe inside your school.
The Basics
Break-ins at schools can have a huge impact, especially if the break in leads to theft, or major damage. There are some basic steps that you can take that can limit the likelihood of break-ins.
- Perimeter. Security fencing combined with CCTV cameras can both deter potential intruders, as well as physically prevent them from entering the school and potentially help catch them in the aftermath.
- Alarms. Schools should have an alarm system that is armed while the school is closed.
- Ensure all staff are aware of basic security principles, such as ensuring valuables are out of sight from the windows, and that locks are double checked.
Laptops, Tablets and IT Equipment
Laptops and tablets are incredible learning tools whatever age the students are, but they can be a draw for thieves. Expensive items to replace, looking after IT equipment properly and keeping them secure is essential to a long life.
Laptop lockers are both practical and secure. Allowing you to safely store and charge your school’s laptops and tablets, your equipment is kept out of sight of potential burglars, and ensures that they’re kept charged for the next time they’re in use. They also allow you to manage your devices and reduce the likelihood of theft whilst in use, as you’ll know if one hasn’t been returned, and if you operate a sign in/sign out system, you’ll likely know who had the laptop last as well. Shop our range here.
Marking your laptops, tablets and IT equipment with the school’s name and postcode will make any equipment harder to sell on. Double check that the warranty won’t be void if you do this.
Use immobilise.com to register your equipment, as this will help police identify any stolen goods that they come across. It will also help you with your own inventory of IT equipment, ensuring that you know exactly what you have.
Exam Papers
Many schools will have to store exam papers and keeping these safe and secure is essential. In addition to needing to protect these important documents from potential theft and damage, schools need to comply with regulations set out by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
The exam papers must be stored in a secure room, as well as a secure box within that room, and the box must be one or more of the following things:
- Strong non-portable safe
- Small safe fixed securely in place (small lockable boxes, such as those provided in hotel rooms, are not suitable)
- Non-portable security cabinet with multi-point locking system (this a cabinet with thick heavy-duty bolts in the door not a slim internal bar)
- Metal filing cabinet with full length external locking bar which runs the entire length of the centre of the cabinet, bolted to wall or floor
- Metal wardrobe style cabinet with an external locking bar across the entire width of the cabinet (covering the point where the doors meet), bolted to wall or floor
- Metal security screen (such as a roll down shutter) directly flush against open shelving creating a cabinet, which is not directly behind or in front of a door
Our range of exam paper cabinets comply with JCQ regulations for storing exam papers and sensitive paperwork. You can browse the range here.
Other Important Documents
Schools carry other important documents that will need protection against damage, fire and theft, but don’t necessarily have to comply with any regulations.
You can use fireproof cupboards and security cupboards to store any number of items, giving you peace of mind that valuables are safe and secure.
