Getting playground security sorted -advice needed

[arsenelupin]

DD is starting reception and a number of us new mums have noticed serious issues about the school grounds - namely unsecured perimeter fencing, gates and doors left wide open during playtime. 3 of us have written to the Head, and 2 of us have seen her - she simply dismisses what we're saying, and seems to think we should train our kids (aged 4) to have better safety awareness (and no curiosity, presumably). She also argues the school has no money to pay for 2 locks and better security policies. One dad has got an LEA site inspection organised next week, but can anyone suggest any methods that have worked for them?

try the pta

Either have a word with one of the parent governors or write a letter to the Chair of the Governors if you're not getting anywhere with the Head. Many PTAs are purely fundraising organisations which keep out of contentious matters.

Thank you for this - I think our PTA is a purely fundraising group, and the best policy is probably to join it and to ask for discussion of such matters there - for one thing we could raise funds to pay for changes. The LEA want us to resolve the matter locally and amicably in the first instance -so this is the first instance... Thank you again.

This is something I have been thinking about alot recently.
Our infants school is safe and locked up during the day but our primary school is unlocked all day and we have port-a-cabins away from the main school where anyone could walk in. (they do have a walkie talkie for emergencies )

Have any parents complained? I'm amazed at how many mothers say, 'Oh, it's a big problem,' but then do nothing about telling the staff. It makes those parents who do start complaining feel very isolated (you know, the 'lone neurotic parent' thing). Apparently some LEAs are quite lax in their requirements, so some schools never feel pressure from officialdom to do anything.