STRANGER DANGER IN CITY SCHOOLS
GLASGOW’S schools have been warned to tighten their security after inspectors were able to walk into several without being asked for any identification.
GLASGOW’S schools have been warned to tighten their security after inspectors were able to walk into several without being asked for any identification.
Assessors visited 11 schools – primary, secondaries and nurseries – throughout the city in unannounced inspections
On eight visits inspectors were not asked for ID on arrival at the premises, and twice they were able to walk through the front doors and past reception without being challenged by staff.
Auditors found two of the facilities had been broken into when they visited, and in one of the venues the culprits had got into the head teacher’s office as it had not been locked.
The inspectors’ report reads: “In one case, access to the head teacher’s office was gained as it was unlocked at the time of the break-in.
“The arrangements for locking individual offices when not in use could be improved.”
Inspectors also criticised the fact visitors were not “appropriately escorted” by staff at two venues, and on three of the visits some staff were not wearing ID passes.
During one visit, inspectors were able to walk from reception into the main office unescorted.
In another incident they saw a contractor being given a map of the school and then be allowed to walk around alone while checking fire exits.
The findings were revealed in an internal audit report discussed by a Glasgow City Council committee, which put forward five recommenda- tions for improvement.
Three of the five have been classed as high priority, with urgent attention required by schools. Four need immediate action, while one must be implemented by the end of August this year.
Inspectors said buildings, people and information inside the schools needs to be “appropriately secured” and have asked for immediate action to improve security.
Staff have been advised that they must show their ID badges at all times, and challenge visitors for ID before allowing them into buildings.
Doors to offices are to be locked overnight, and sensitive documentation must be stored securely, according to the report.
Inspectors said: “At five establishments the arrangements for access to secure areas could be i mproved, including the storage arrangements for keys to secure areas and personal information.
“We also identified that the internal doors for individual offices were not being locked overnight. This increases the risk of unauthorised access to information.”
Security following a change in staff was also criticised by inspectors, who found that door keypad codes were not changed at one school after a member of staff had left.
They also found that at one school staff were not asked to hand back their photo ID after leaving for new jobs.
Glasgow City council’s education bosses have welcomed the findings, and said the aim of the internal audit inspection was to make sure any improvements or problems were highlighted and tackled.
A council spokeswoman said: “We welcome the broad findings of the report, and the importance of school security is reiterated throughout the school year to staff and pupils.
“The safety of our young people and staff is paramount and the reason for audits like these is to learn and share good practice.”