In the home this can present a problem where children are constantly using doors and leaving them unlocked. In public buildings or schools this issue can have far greater consequence since the duty of care for children and employees lies with the authority, which must ensure that every effort is taken to safeguard the people under its care. Safeguarding children is a current hot topic during OFSTED inspections of schools and can lead to severe penalties being placed on schools who have failed to take adequate precautions.

Traditionally in schools where uPVC doors were fitted as external doors, thumb-turn cylinders were also fitted to make it easier to ensure the doors were locked after use, however, human error could easily allow doors to be left unlocked and so insecure during busy times, especially in schools where staff may be under great pressure from excitable children.

We have had great success installing a battery operated; stand alone fob entry system in schools with uPVC doors. The system retro fits to most uPVC doors, requiring only the handles and lock cylinders to be replaced.

The system, called Smartair can be fitted to all external doors within the school and a single fob programmed to open each door individually, thus members of staff can be issued with a single fob that will operate each and every door.

Fob activation of the lock engages the outside handle, allowing access to the door once. As soon as the door closes the outside handle becomes disengaged and access is no longer possible until the fob is reintroduced.

Exit through the door is always possible during the working day as the inside handle is permanently engaged. This satisfies all the requirements of safety and security. If the door is closed, it is certain to be locked from the outside but exit is still possible in an emergency.

Smartair Standalone access control is the ideal solution for schools seeking a solution to the problem of Safeguarding Children in schools with uPVC doors.

No wiring required, which means speedy installation and minimal disruption to school life, even during term time!

Smartair can also be fitted to wooden doors, guaranteeing a comprehensive and effective total school security solution.

For more information and a quotation to secure your school, contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS fitted prices are from £395+VAT per door.

“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your security needs. You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of

“A few timely precautions will often prevent embarrassment at inspection, or worse exposing a child to danger”

While most schools do their best to create a secure environment for their pupils, the conflict between safety and security often presents great challenges.

Doors providing access to and from playground areas at play time could be left insecure all day, as often these doors require the action of needing to be physically locked  by staff  during lesson time, which means they may be forgotton.

UPVC doors, which can be notoriously difficult to fit additional security or self closing mechanisms to, can be opened and left insecure by unsuspecting pupils.

Head teachers or site managers should engage the services of a Security Specialist, Master Locksmith or other appropriately approved Security Consultant, who would carry out a security audit or survey, often FREE OF CHARGE and make recommendations and give priced quotations for the appropriate level of work to be carried out to make their school safe for pupils and staff as well as meeting OFSTED inspection guidelines

There are solutions to most security issues faced in schools in the current climate, although some are not widely recognised this includes a new and innovative product for uPVC doors.

To sign up to regular security updates from Authorized Access Ltd, a Master Locksmith’s Association Approved company with over 20 years experience in the field, follow the link below.

AUTHORIZED ACCESS SECURITY UPDATES

If you are a concerned parent or work in a school where you think this may be an issue, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice or to arrange your security audit at

 info@authorized-access.co.uk

or call on

 0161 762 9936