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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think we need to re-think security for children's schools and clubs following Southport

186 replies

caffelattetogo · 23/01/2025 13:57

Before I start, this is absolutely not blaming the victims or anyone who organised the holiday club in Southport. It's easy to be wise after the event.

But, I really think that we need new risk assessments for anywhere that children are, ones that look more at their safety. These monsters target children, so anywhere that children are needs to think about locked doors, video doorbell cameras, extra security measures, anything we can to keep them safer.

Mental health services are struggling and the early warning signs are being missed. We have dangerous people free to plan activities like this, and while we shouldn't need to, I think we need to be aware.

I have thought about this when planning my children's clubs following the attack, and chosen ones with better security measures.

Similarly, I'm concerned about the security at DCs' school and nursery, where doors are often left open.

I know these attacks are rare, but I would feel safer knowing that they were behind locked doors.

AIBU?

OP posts:
OneAmberFinch · 23/01/2025 14:15

When people talk about the erosion of a high-trust society, this is what they mean.

PigInAHouse · 23/01/2025 14:15

Our school is fully secure, no one can get in without being buzzed in by staff.
After Southport all the clubs my children attend sent out their security policies to reassure parents. All involve locked doors while the activity is taking place.

Original poster
caffelattetogo · 23/01/2025 14:14

Our main door is locked, but the side doors are often open to the public when it's warm, or as a PP says are only glass fire doors with a push bar, so opened in seconds from the outside.

OP posts:
NoDragons · 23/01/2025 14:14

GentlyAnarchistic · 23/01/2025 14:11

I remember schools pre Dunblane. There were no fences, no locked doors and anyone could wander around. I'm not sure how more schools can do.

Many schools are still not fenced in. My local primary was only fenced in 2009 and my senior school still isn't

SprigatitoYouAndIKnow · 23/01/2025 14:13

But by this logic, parks should be banned. All those kids out playing without locks in the way. Should we let kids walk down the road if they might be attacked? We should of course mitigate risk where possible, but it can never be eliminated.

NoDragons · 23/01/2025 14:13

The greatest risk to your children is vehicles.

And yet kids are dressed in black, move up car seats too quickly, are driven in speeding cars (a few miles over the limit is still speeding)

Making prisons for our children won't keep them safe.

GentlyAnarchistic · 23/01/2025 14:11

I remember schools pre Dunblane. There were no fences, no locked doors and anyone could wander around. I'm not sure how more schools can do.

Showrr · 23/01/2025 14:10

Trouble is what about things like buses etc? How would you stop anything happening then? Obviously what happened is awful but we can't just lock them in all the time.

JaneBoleynViscountessRochford · 23/01/2025 14:07

Following the Dunblane massacre I thought all schools had to be securely locked at all times? Or is that just Scotland? Our school has doors that can’t be opened from the outside and you can only be buzzed in by the office during the day with appointments only.

I agree about clubs, my DC go to quite a few and none really have security, and this is something that should be given more consideration I agree. Following the Southport attacks I changed the summer clubs we used to ones at the local leisure centre that are busy and have full time reception staff, with the kids clubs held at the back of the building (thinking longer time to raise the alarm/stop someone getting to them). Its terrible we have to think like this.

winterwonder1 · 23/01/2025 14:02

Yes, I agree. Our school has a glass door with a push bar that could be opened in 10 seconds.

mistymorning12 · 23/01/2025 14:00

Both my children's schools are locked to outsiders during the day and I lock my brownie group in as well. I think your school and nursery and unusual. I would raise it with the governors asap.