Client:

​

A SEND Academy

​

Challenge:

​

The Deputy Principal of a SEND Academy was unsure of how to approach meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law, given their pupils’ neurodivergent profiles.

​

They approached AI Schools to identify what was reasonable and practicable to be fully compliant with Martyn’s Law.

​

Solution:

​

A site security walk through to assess the school’s prevailing security profile was undertaken, incorporating a terrorism threat assessment.

​

This highlighted: -

​

• Very strong physical security profile to support safeguarding, with electronic lock that pupils could not access.

• Classroom doors subject to ongoing damage. 

• Extensive use of CCTV that staff could not access.

• Excellent use of radio by staff to co-ordinate response to disregulated behaviour.

• Teaching staff interaction with pupils routinely extended outside of classroom environment, making IT based alert problematic.

 

In light of the above a radio-based activation protocol was implemented, supported by external visual beacons to initiate both invacuation and lockdown. A clear and un-obstructed route from the sports field and playgrounds, to an internal place of safety, was identified. Classrooms were secured by wedges and door hinge clamps.

​

Result:

​

The SLT were trained in the above procedures through a tabletop exercise and a simple plan documented and parents written to setting out the above.