Site Security and Keeping Children Safe
At our Federation, keeping children safe is our highest priority. We want all children, families, staff and visitors to feel safe and welcomed when they are on our school sites.
As part of our safeguarding work, we complete an annual site security audit. This supports Recommendation 35 from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Telford, which asks schools to review the adequacy of their site security arrangements, including how unauthorised access is monitored and recorded.
Our most recent site security audit was completed in Summer 2026.
How we manage visitors safely
We have clear procedures in place for all visitors to school. These help us make sure that everyone on site is known, checked and appropriately supervised.
All visitors must:
- report to the school office on arrival
- provide identification
- sign in before entering the school building
- wear a visitor lanyard while on site
- follow our safeguarding expectations and procedures
We use coloured lanyards so that staff and children can clearly identify adults on site:
- Red lanyard – visitor
- Yellow lanyard – DBS checked visitor
- Black lanyard – member of staff
Visitors are also given safeguarding information at the start of their visit.
Safe arrival and collection arrangements
Staff actively supervise the school site at the beginning and end of the day. Teaching staff are positioned at classroom doors, and senior leaders and/or the Learning Mentor are present at the gate wherever possible.
To help keep everyone safe:
- children are handed over to known adults
- staff check if they are unsure who is collecting a child
- parents and carers accompany children to and from the site
- entry and exit points are supervised
- vehicles are kept away from key areas at busy times
- visibility around gates and doors is kept clear
- gates are locked between drop-off and collection times
We also ask families to support site safety by walking with bikes and scooters on the playground and avoiding the use of mobile phones or photographic equipment on school grounds.
How we teach children to keep themselves safe
Children are taught how to keep themselves safe through our bespoke PSHEE curriculum, Keeping Ourselves Happy, Healthy and Safe.
This includes helping children to understand:
- trusted adults
- safe and unsafe situations
- how to ask for help
- who to speak to if they feel worried
- how to stay safe in school and in the wider community
We also teach road safety through assemblies and workshops with Travel Telford. Our WOW Walk to School initiative supports safer travel, reduces traffic around school and promotes healthy habits.
Our Safety Squad also helps share key safety messages with children across school.
How staff keep the site secure
All staff receive regular safeguarding training and know how to respond if they have a concern. This includes training linked to exploitation, vulnerability and keeping children safe from harm.
We have systems in place so that staff can:
- challenge unfamiliar adults on site
- report concerns quickly
- alert colleagues if there is a potential risk
- follow emergency procedures where needed
- work with wider safeguarding partners when appropriate
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads receive regular training, and safeguarding updates are shared with staff throughout the year.
How leaders and governors check site security
Site security is regularly reviewed by leaders and governors.
This includes:
- an annual site security audit
- regular review of the site security policy
- caretaker perimeter and premises checks
- checks by the School Business Manager
- governor monitoring through health and safety visits
- site security updates at governing board meetings
We also work with wider safeguarding partners, including Family Connect, Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership, West Mercia Police, local CSOs and the CATE team.
Current improvements
Following our most recent audit and feedback from parents and carers, we are continuing to strengthen our site security arrangements.
Our current actions are to:
- ensure the pedestrian gate has coded access ready for Autumn 2026
- continue to ask parents and carers for their views on site security
- continue to gather children’s views through the Safety Squad
- keep governors updated on progress through monitoring and governing board meetings
We are proud of the positive safeguarding culture across our school. Site security is everyone’s responsibility, and we thank our families for working with us to keep all children safe.