Exploring Crucial Aspects Of Secure Premises In Educational Settings

School safety and security are key concerns in our communities. Children, administrators, and their families have a right to feel comfortable in our educational facilities and on school grounds. There are several technical tools, security measures, regulations, and processes available to increase school safety and security. We also look at innovative ways that school administration, teachers, and students can work together to provide a safe and secure learning environment. The need for strong security measures within schools cannot be emphasized. Schools house one of the most vulnerable demographics—children—who require a safe environment in which to thrive and reach their full potential. As a result, school security systems must include various vital components, including access control and extensive background checks on staff. Let’s look at some of the most important factors that schools must consider to protect their children’s safety.

School Security Checklist

Access Control

Access control needs to feature on top of the list as the school has to make sure that there is no unauthorized access in the school at any point. Some of the areas that the school needs to put in place therefore include:

• Locked and Monitored Doors During School Hours.
• All entry and exit points are to be manned and controlled.
• Maintenance of visitors’ register.
• Designated waiting place for visitors to the school.
• Strict background checks of the staff before they are employed.
• Proper dispersal systems for students that do not have any scope for unauthorized handing over of children.
• In addition, it is imperative that the school is equipped with CCTV cameras and that parents have access to the live feed. This will ensure safety and security for students and peace of mind for parents.
• Access control cards with a photo ID as they prevent unauthorized entry.

In addition to the above, other important aspects of child security include:

• Trained manpower that is equipped to monitor CCTV cameras, patrol the premises, and identify any suspicious activities. The guards must also be trained to defuse tense situations and help to maintain a peaceful learning environment. In addition, the guards should be trained to handle any emergency, such as fires, natural disasters, or any violent accidents. With trained security guards, you can rest assured that they can assist in evacuations and coordinate with emergency services.
• When it comes to school safety, it is important that the school building is constructed in accordance with fire safety norms. Additionally, fire extinguishers need to be installed in schools and there need to be mock fire drills periodically. Measures, such as emergency contact numbers being displayed on notice boards and proper provision of fire alarms, are key.
• The school, wherever possible, needs to be equipped with a Public Address System, especially to make announcements in emergencies.
• High-risk areas such as secluded corners, corridors, and staircases need to be kept under watch.
• Child security also demands that the premises be child-proof. This includes several aspects, such as there being no hazardous areas, open water tanks etc, on-premises. Additionally, there should be no sharp edges as far as the furniture is concerned. Similarly, with young children, the school must ensure that all their material is non-toxic.
• As far as the school laboratories for children are concerned, it is imperative that the school has displayed the first aid procedures for students. Additionally, there should be proper ventilation and exhaust facilities. It is mandatory to keep chemical and toxic material safe and also have a first aid box in place.
• School transport needs to have a valid fitness certificate. Additionally, the vehicles should be maintained in good condition and be equipped with first-aid boxes as well as fire extinguishers. GPS tracking when it comes to school transport to ensure that the parent is aware of the child’s whereabouts is a necessity. Additionally, it is also important that the school transport comes with attendants whose background checks have been thoroughly undertaken. Also, it is imperative that the handing over process is smooth, and that no child is handed over to any unauthorised person.
• A Parent App needs to be in use that allows for seamless communication between the school and the parents. The app allows parents to be informed of all events and news and ensures transparency.

Child Protection Policy

It is very important for the school to have a well-defined Child Protection Policy (CPP) to provide a safe environment and protect children from abuse, harm, or exploitation, with appropriate guidelines and reporting mechanisms. There needs to be a student safety committee in place Additionally, all teaching, non-teaching, contractual, and other staff needs to be sensitized on the Child Protection Policy & guidelines and child-related legislation such as POCSO.

Health Measures

In addition, the school needs to maintain the following health measures for children:

An infirmary with the constant presence of a paramedic during school hours.

The infirmary needs to be well-equipped to give immediate support for medical emergencies.

• The school has a calling assistance and utilizes ambulance services in times of emergency.
• Meals, if provided, need to be of good quality and served hygienically.
• Additionally, the school needs to ensure that the food and snacks served to students have nutritional value and that no junk food is included.

At Pragyanam, one of the best CBSE schools in Gurgaon, holistic child development is a big focus area, where child security is a topmost priority. Whether it is ensuring live CCTV feed is available to parents or that all our school buses are GPS enabled, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the children are physically safe on the school premises. The use of a Parent App ensures that parents are always kept updated on their ward’s activities and progress.

Much as we focus on the child’s physical safety, we are also equally committed to the cause of the child’s emotional security and development. To this end, we follow a strong life-skills-focused curriculum that offers children the necessary life skills to navigate the ups and downs of life with ease. Guided by the World Health Organization’s endorsement of 10 essential life skills that underpin an individual’s ability to find joy and satisfaction in any circumstance, we’ve seamlessly woven these skills into our curriculum. Whether it is teaching students how to cope with emotions or critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, the idea is to equip them abundantly so that they can handle the VUCA world without being overwhelmed by it.

Here is to building institutions that are conducive to the safety, growth, and development of students!