Sectors

Schools & Colleges

Outsiders coming into the school, aggressive parents, theft of computers. School security is perhaps one of the most emotive issues facing head teachers and school business managers. However, no one wants to have schools that look like prisons with high fences and lots of locks and bars.

So what can be done? Many measures are common sense. Having one main entrance in use during the daytime makes monitoring of strangers much easier. Staff should be able to easily lock and unlock doors, depending upon the time of the school day. This isn’t easy because of keys and the need to maintain the necessary evacuation routes.

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Types of locks

There are new types of lock that have been designed especially for schools. ‘Salto’ and ‘Smartair’ are about half the price of traditional card systems but do more. They transform ‘dumb’ key locked doors into ‘intelligent’ ones. In many cases, your existing locks could be converted to card operation. They would then also comply with the changes to The Fire Protection Act and The Equality Act 2010 (DDA).

The cards can double as identity cards. They can be carried on different coloured neck lanyards to quickly indicate STAFF, or VISITOR, or CONTRACTOR. Any lost card can be quickly cancelled without affecting the others.

We have helped a small primary school to adapt all of their 39 doors to become fitted with Smartair. Another school we have helped has had a dozen doors and their gates controlled. Other schools have had Smartair or Salto installed on just two or three of their most important doors.

Here to help

Do your staff, pupils or parents experience problems in heaving open heavy doors? They can be converted to automatic operation for less than £2,500 per door.

If your reception area isn’t as secure as you’d like then a DDA dual-height counter could be fitted with a sliding glass security screen. These screens slide with one finger and automatically lock in place.

Referrals from our very happy school customers are available if you’ve any doubts. Please contact us to discuss your requirements in detail on 0117 982 6288.

Matford Brook Academy – Exeter – DDA compliant reception desks