NASUWT is appalled by the recent events in schools whereby pupils/intruders have used weapons such as knives to attack teachers and other pupils.
These events have underlined the need for schools to have effective policies and procedures in place to mitigate such incidents, appropriately respond to an attack if one should occur, and to adequately support staff and pupils in the aftermath of an incident.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, an employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees, including pupils in the school environment.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also stipulate that any workplace hazards must be risk assessed.
This guidance is intended to assist NASUWT Representatives in discussions with school leaders, employers and local authorities and for school leader members in developing their schools’ approach.
Mitigations
Risk assessment is the basis of preparedness and prevention of serious incidents. All pupils who are potentially violent should have a risk assessment in place.
Further guidance on the risk assessment of violent pupils can be found on our Risk Assessment of Violent and Abusive Behaviour page.
All schools and colleges must have a zero-tolerance approach to pupils carrying knives and other weapons. Where pupils are found to be carrying knives or other weapons on school premises, this must be reported to the police in all circumstances irrespective of whether the pupil has drawn the weapon.
It is unacceptable for such serious instances to be dealt with internally.
Teachers have statutory powers in relation to searching pupils for certain objects/substances. However, these powers must be used with caution.
NASUWT guidance on the searching of pupils can be found on our Searching, Screening and Confiscation Advice for Schools page.
In addition, schools and colleges must recognise that incidents can result from intruders on site and must therefore ensure the site is secure and intruders cannot easily access school buildings, reception areas are sufficiently secure and, in particular, reception staff are protected.
Guidance on the security of school sites can be found on the Gov.uk web page Site Security Guidance.
School opening/closing times can be particularly challenging and schools must have appropriate procedures in place to protect staff and pupils at these times to ensure that access arrangements for parents and other adults are appropriate.
School procedures must also take into account staff and pupils with disabilities, particularly those with mobility issues, and risk assessments should include control measures around lockdown situations.
Similarly, the risk assessment of pregnant employees that must be undertaken and regularly reviewed should include consideration of lockdown/violent incident situations. Such risk assessments should be conducted in consultation with the staff member involved.
The Health and Safety Executive also has extensive guidance on Violence and Aggression at Work.
During an incident
Schools and colleges must have robust lockdown procedures in place, which are tested through drills, that seek to replicate possible incidents.
NASUWT has extensive guidance on lockdown procedures that was developed in conjunction with industry experts. This is available on School Lockdown Procedures.
The lockdown procedures must contain a clear process for raising the alarm and instigating the procedures.
In common with fire procedures, there must be a named responsible person/post for contacting the emergency services in the event of an incident with clear contingencies if the person/post is not in attendance.
A clear communication strategy with parents and the media should also be in place.
After an incident
The steps required after an incident will depend on the severity and circumstance of the incident.
However, it must be appreciated that any incident will be an acutely stressful experience for those directly involved and quite possibly the wider school community.
Schools and colleges must ensure that, in the aftermath of an incident, staff and pupils are adequately supported, such as having access to counselling services.
After an incident has taken place, there must also be a review of all relevant policies, procedures and risk assessments in order to learn any lessons from the response and put any steps in place to avoid a repeat of the incident.
This should include pupil risk assessments where appropriate.
Where NASUWT Representatives have concerns about the approach of a school/college or employer/local authority, this should be raised with the relevant Local Association Secretary and/or National Executive Member as appropriate.
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