School fencing is a priority, and it is necessary to ensure students and staff’s safety and security. This comprehensive guide will help you understand key school fencing, guidelines, and best practices. So, keep reading and let us help you know about them in detail.
Whether you need a fencing solution for primary schools, secondary schools, academies or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools, call Perimeter Solutions on 01474 702233 or share your requirements with us at sales@perimeter-solutions.co.uk today.
For expert school fencing solutions that meet current security and safety guidelines, trust Perimeter Solutions. We specialise in Secure by Design, RoSPA, and GateSafe compliant fencing and gates.
Key Guidelines For School Fencing
Let’s move ahead and equip you with the school safety guidelines:
1. Secure By Design
Secure by Design (SBD) is a police initiative that aims to reduce crime through effective design. It offers a set of guidelines tailored explicitly for schools to enhance security through physical measures. Key points include:
- Fencing standards: Schools are encouraged to install high-quality fencing that meets specific height and material standards. Depending on the perceived level of threat, the recommended height ranges from 1.8m to 2.4m, using robust materials such as welded mesh or vertical bar fencing to deter unauthorised access and vandalism.
- Access control: Gates should match the height of the fencing and include features like anti-climb designs and anti-lift hinges. This ensures that access points are secure and monitored, reducing the risk of trespassing.
- Visibility and aesthetics: While security is paramount, SbD also emphasises the importance of aesthetics. Security fencing should be welcoming and not create a prison-like atmosphere, which can negatively impact the school environment.
2. Department of Education (DfE) Design guide
The Department of Education released a memorandum in July 2021 setting out the minimum standards of fencing required at new build SEND schools. Items included in their guidelines included:
- Fence Height: All perimeter fencing and gate installations at SEND schools must be a minimum 2.4m high
- Anti-Climb: Fencing must be anti-climb, so that no footholds or fingerholds are present. The only fence system that truly complies with this is 358 ‘Prison mesh’ weldmesh.
- Spikes: Fencing must not have spiked tops or bottoms, which could pose an injury risk to pupils
3. RoSPA Guidelines
RoSPA focuses on safety regulations and best practices in various environments, including schools. Their guidelines for school fencing encompass the following:
- Safety standards: Fencing must comply with building regulations to prevent trapping hazards. This includes ensuring that railings do not allow children to get their heads or limbs stuck and that the materials are free of sharp edges or splinters.
- Durability and maintenance: RoSPA recommends that school fencing be made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear from children’s activities. Regular maintenance checks are advised to ensure the fencing remains safe and functional over time.
- Child safety features: Specific designs, such as rounded tops or smooth surfaces, are encouraged to minimise injury risks to children, particularly in schools with younger students.
4. GateSafe
GateSafe is an organisation that promotes safety standards for gates and barriers, particularly in educational settings. Their guidelines include:
- Gate safety regulations: Schools must ensure all gates are installed and maintained according to safety standards. This includes checking that gates do not pose a risk of crushing or trapping and that they have proper safety mechanisms in place.
- Automated gates: If automated gates are used, they must comply with the relevant British Standards for machine safety to prevent accidents. This includes installing safety edges and sensors to detect obstacles, having a planned and recorded maintenance regime, and certificates of UKCA / CE compliance.
- Regular inspections: GateSafe emphasises the importance of conducting regular inspections and maintenance of gates to ensure they function correctly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents during peak times, such as school arrival and dismissal.
The Importance Of Following School Fencing Guidelines
As mentioned above, school fencing is not just a recommendation – failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to legal action in the result of injury or failure to demonstrate duty of care. Fencing serves several crucial purposes:
- Access control: Fencing helps control and monitor entry and exit points, restricting unauthorised access to the school premises.
- Student safety: Secure fencing creates a defined boundary, keeping students safely within the school grounds and deterring potential intruders.
- Safeguarding: Perimeter fencing is essential to an educational institution’s safeguarding measures, protecting vulnerable children and young people.
- Compliance: Many local authorities and governing bodies mandate the installation of school fencing to meet safety standards and regulations.
How School Owners Can Follow Fencing Guidelines?
To adhere to school fencing regulations, institutions should:
- Conduct risk assessment: Evaluate security needs and determine appropriate fencing height and type. Advice can be given free of charge by your local Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO)
- Choose quality materials: Invest in robust, compliant fencing, such as welded mesh or vertical bars, that meets Secure by Design and RoSPA standards.
- Ensure proper installation: Work with experienced contractors to install fencing and gates safely, with anti-climb features and secure locking.
- Implement maintenance: Regularly inspect fencing for hazards and perform necessary repairs to maintain compliance. Engage with a reputable gate automation company to carry out regular servicing and maintenance of your electric gates
- Stay informed: Regularly review guidelines from authorities like GateSafe and RoSPA to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Hire professionals: Partner with expert fencing contractors who can help you navigate regulations and deliver tailored, compliant solutions.
The Benefits Of Working With Perimeter Solutions – Professional Fencing Contractors Near You
Choosing Perimeter Solutions for your school fencing needs offers numerous advantages:
- Regulatory expertise: Our team fully complies with UK school fencing guidelines and local authority standards.
- Bespoke design: We create customised fencing solutions that balance security with aesthetics tailored to your school’s unique environment.
- Quality installation: Our skilled installers use premium materials and adhere to strict safety standards throughout installation. Our gate automation team have DafeSafe and DHF certification.
- Comprehensive service: From initial consultation to ongoing maintenance, we provide end-to-end project management and support.
- Varied options: As experienced fencing contractors in Kent and surrounding areas, we offer various fencing types suitable for school areas and security needs. For example:
- Weldmesh Fencing
- 358 Anti-climb Weldmesh Fencing
- Railings
- Gates
- Gate Automation
- Gate Access Control
- Proven track record: Our portfolio showcases that we have successfully installed more than 300 school fencing projects across the UK, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in educational settings.
Partner with Perimeter Solutions for a fencing solution that prioritises safety, compliance, and durability for your school.
Contact Perimeter Solutions
Conclusion!
That’s all about school fencing guidelines that every educational institute must follow to create a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.
Additionally, partnering with Perimeter Solutions guarantees expert compliance, bespoke designs, and quality installation tailored to your school’s needs.
For more information or to discuss your fencing requirements, contact Perimeter Solutions on 01474 702233 or email us at sales@perimeter-solutions.co.uk!
