Education Today Education Today Magazine
In a world full of contradictions, standards and regulations often require a set specification, while reality delivers something quite different.
Take, for instance, the Department for Education’s guidance on site security. Their Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) guide, titled Site Security Guidance, advises that “the main vehicle and pedestrian access points should ideally be overlooked by the school office or reception.” But how many of you would require builders or contractors to reconfigure your school layout just to meet this recommendation?
Moreover, the guide suggests that fencing and gates should comply with BS 1722 standards. Yet in 2024, leading UK fence manufacturers have innovated beyond these outdated requirements. They offer perimeter solutions that not only exceed the standard but are also more cost-effective, focusing resources on what truly matters for safety without unnecessary expenses.
So, where does this leave you? How do you make informed decisions when upgrading your school’s perimeter fence, especially when the existing standards seem outdated or vague?
First Fence is a leading British manufacturer, installer, and advisor of school fencing and gates, and understands that a reliable fence is more than just a barrier—it’s about addressing specific vulnerabilities and applications. Here are some key design principles to keep in mind when installing or replacing a fence or gate at your school:
Vulnerability: Secondary entrances should remain locked throughout the school day. Gates can be secured with anything from a simple slider and padlock system to more advanced options like combination locks or digital access control systems. However, it’s crucial that gates and railings meet the minimum height requirement of 2.0m to prevent climbing or scaling. Neglecting adjacent street furniture objects, such as litter bins, makes any lock obsolete for the right opportunist.
Safety: First Fence collaborates with advice from RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to ensure that our designated school railings, such as the EnviroRail® PlaySec and PlaySecure® ranges, incorporate essential safety features. These include no gaps smaller than 12mm to prevent finger entrapments, at least 60mm of ground clearance under gates to avoid foot entrapments, and gaps between railings that are no smaller than 89mm to prevent head entrapments.
Security: The level of security required for your school’s perimeter depends on the specific risks you face. Is there a chance students might try to climb the fence? Or are you more concerned about the possibility of a forced entry by an opportunist or a more serious threat? The solution may result in maintaining a clear line of sight from all classrooms, or if the risk is greater, the delay factor becomes critical. A certified LPS 1175 fence and gate can provide a defined level of resistance to forced entry, based on the tools an intruder might use. For example, an A1 certified fence, such as ProFence® or PaliFence®, offers one minute of resistance against attacks with basic tools including fish knives, pry bars, or small screwdrivers— tools typically used by opportunists that can be concealed in coats and bags. Adopting an LPS 1175 approved security fence can be the make or break between responding in time or being too late.
When it’s time for your school to assess its perimeter fencing or conduct a general security check, First Fence is here to provide the expertise and solutions you need. Our team is ready to assess, advise, and implement the best suited fencing and gate systems to meet your school’s specific requirements.
01283 512 111
www.firstfence.co.uk
