Anti social and criminal behaviour in schools can cause disruption to the school day as well as damage to both buildings and worst still people. And when actual criminal activity takes place at schools a culture of fear can also be created amongst pupils, parents and staff.

And with events such as the Columbine High School Massacre, the Dunblane shooting spree and the St Lukes infants school machete attack all rightly bringing worldwide shock, horror and headline there are still hundreds and thousands of other incidents, be it thankfully of a less serious nature, that cause disruption in schools.

So whilst you cannot put a cost on such events occuring in monetary terms, it would be fair to say the cost in terms of fear, disruption, pain and suffering is very often massive.

So with the safety and security of our children paramount here are just some ways in which schools, governors and local education authorities can make their schools as safe as possible.

Physical Security. Many types of anti social behaviour in schools is often not recorded and therefore is not included in government statistics but none the less they do cause disruption, inconvenience and cost. Graffiti, bullying and general unruly behaviour can sometimes be avoided or reduced by having a secure physical presence.

This can include the school having a secure boundary which limits access points for vehicles and pedestrians. By having secure and substantial fencing and gates, many types of anti social behaviour can be reduced.

Other types of physical security that schools can use in order to improve their safety and security includes vandal proff dusk to dawn security lighting, CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras and avoiding buildings with flat roofs or weak security points such as roof lights and ventilators. Pitched roof shapes with robust eaves details are definitely preferable when it comes to school roofing and security.

Intruder alarm systems which are linked to a control room and police response are also ways in which schools can enhance their security.

Security and Communication. Other ways in which modern schools are providing a safe and secure environment for their pupils and staff is by installing a fail safe communication system which can be used in the event of day to day schooling, field trips and in emergency circumstances.

Modern Two Way Radio and schemes such as School Safe allow teachers and other staff at school to stay in touch over a wide area. Two Way Radios allow schools, retailers and businesses on large sites to communicate over a wide area for a low cost when compared to other forms of communication.

These portable hand held radios which are available from companies including Motorola, Kenwood, Entel and ICOM provide a reliable, robust and highly effective way for schools to stay in touch whilst making sure their pupils and staff are as safe as possible.

Communication in schools is the key to safety and communication and often makes the difference between those schools with a good OFSTED rating and those that are struggling. Choose the right methods of communication for your school make sure your pupils and staff are as safe and secure as possible.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Why Children at School Must be Safe and Secure

About the Author

Apex Radio Systems Ltd are the School Safe Two Way Radio Communication Experts and details of their School Safe Two Way Radios like the Motorola XTNi 2 Way Radio can be found at their Two Way Radio website.