Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Original poster

DD's primary school - main gate left unlocked during day

64 replies

dinny · 04/10/2006 20:43

Is this normal? Is your school gate locked? Feel concerned, what can I do or am (as dh reckons) being overly concerned...? tia, Dinny

OP posts:
hulababy · 04/10/2006 20:47

At DD's school the main ates are not locked. Would be pointless as they are low enough to climb over anyway. The doors to each school building are locked though. At breaktime they are open nearest the playgrounds - main doors closed.

It wouldn't be practical to lock the gates. They'd need to have CCTV and then someone watching that CCTV inside all day, or someone on the gate, or some form of button on the gate so that late comers or visitors could actually access the school legitimately.

julienetmum · 04/10/2006 20:48

I have visited many primary schools as part of my work and would say the majority have gates that are not locked. However all have buzzer entry systems into the building themselves.

I would be concerned if a gate was locked to be honest as it would make evacuation in the event of an emergency difficult. Also there are lots of visitors to schools during the day.

Of course there should be proper supervision when the children are in the playground, that goes without saying.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 20:52

We have cctv and a key pad system to enter the gate to school .

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 20:54

I'm quite concerned because dd said today that she went from 'the field' (they are finishing buildig works, so playground inaccessible atm) to the loo by herself, wearing special band (so teachers knew she was allowed to be by herself). OK, it's not far from the field to the loos in reception (within vision of whoever supervising) but I feel terrified at thought of her walking there essentially unsupervised... not least becase there are workmen on-site (but fenced off from where the children are, iysim)

Should I see the head to voice concerns, speak to dd's teacher or what you reckon?

OP posts:
bananaloaf · 04/10/2006 20:55

primary school by us outside acess not locked door into school are

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 20:57

yes, should add the doors into school are locked (unless the kids are in playgound/field)

when I was at primary we didn't even have fence or gates, but that was a different era and a tiny island without crime!

OP posts:
PanicPants · 04/10/2006 20:58

We are unable to lock the gates at school for several reasons.

  1. We share a site with other buildings
  2. Access for part time staff
  3. AND most importantly - access for emergency vehicles.

BUT all doors into the buildings are locked, and visitors have to be buzzed in.

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 20:59

is yours a private pre-school or primary, Wakeupandsmellthecoffee? out of interest (dd goes to a church junior, btw)

just thinking - the fab private school dd has ballet lessons at doesn't have any fencing or gates....

OP posts:
sorrell · 04/10/2006 20:59

I would like open gates at my school.

hulababy · 04/10/2006 21:00

dinny - DD's is private prep school - no locks on gates

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:01

really, Sorrell? why, may I ask?

OP posts:
TenaLady · 04/10/2006 21:02

Well we are in hillbilly land, so gates are not even closed never mind locked. They do have a security buzzer on the main reception, but honestly I have entered through the school assembly hall before now. So all laughable really.

I think its down to the teachers. You may well have gates and buzzers and stuff but if there is no security policy in place or being adhered to then there is no point.

Why dont you bring it up with parent teacher association,see what can be suggested and passed on to the Governors for improvement.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 21:03

your having a laugh private school . Its a state c of e primary school . But it is in surrey . In the middle of a council estate. And a bloody good school if I do say so myself . LOL

sorrell · 04/10/2006 21:03

I think it's friendlier and easier.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 21:04
Shock
Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:06

we're in Surrey too - tiny village school (which is truthfully why we moved here).. Just keep thinking anyone could walk in and lurk round the grounds.... Think will just speak to the head when I nect see her.....

OP posts:
Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:06

why Sorrell?

OP posts:
wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 21:07

Have to ask where in surrey our school is in Weybridge .

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:07

sorry, meant Wakeupandsmell....

OP posts:
Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:08

nah, we're East Surrey - village near Reigate.

OP posts:
wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 21:08

{shock} because you dont know who is in the building ,it could be anyone .

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 04/10/2006 21:08

DOH

KellyKrueger1978 · 04/10/2006 21:09

ours is unlocked. I don't like it really. Our prev school was in London and there were sep gates to the schools and a high fence between the playgrounds and the reception car park. So you couldn't get anywhere near the school other than through the reception with buzzer entry. Her current school I think I could easily wander in unoticed and it does make me uneasy. We are within the security radius of broadmoor too althoguh a fair way off, so we have special security measures in place if the siren goes off (anyone escapes). But anyone can get straight in the school usually, so it doesn't seem right!

Original poster
dinny · 04/10/2006 21:12

think that's why am bit freaked out, Kelly - we moved here from London (where local school was fenced ij with buzzer system)... dh says the reason we moved here was to be able to live a bit more freely but I am stressing!

OP posts:
PretendFriend · 04/10/2006 21:14

What would be the point of locking gates unless the walls/fences were all about 8' high with barbed wire on top?

The buildings should have security doors though.

Swipe left for the next trending thread