Security improvements planned at primary school to improve safeguarding
New perimeter fencing and other security measures look set to be put in place to improve safeguarding at a Wakefield primary school.
Horbury Bridge Academy said improvements were needed to prevent trespassers and dogs entering the school site.
A statement said problems had also been caused for staff by members of the the public using the school’s car park when visiting a local shop.
Proposals submitted to Wakefield Council on behalf of Enhanced Academy Trust include increasing the height of fencing to 2.4m next to the school’s playing field.
New pedestrian access gates, a video intercom system and the installation of retractable bollards across the entrance driveway are also planned.
A heritage statement prepared on behalf of the trust said: “The main vehicle and pedestrian access from Bridge Road is open to the public highway and, as such, members of the public are able to access the staff car park and pedestrian footpath.
“An assessment of the site has therefore raised safeguarding concerns over the height of the fencing and the level of protection it affords to pupils and staff, as the fence and gates can easily be scaled by either people wishing to trespass onto the school site or pupils wishing to abscond.”
The document said a wall beside the playing field was not high enough to keep out intruders.
It added: “The school advises that there have been several incidents in which neighbours’ dogs have been able to access the playing field during school hours by scaling the wall, which has caused alarm to pupils and staff.
“There have been several incidents in which the staff car park and driveway have been used by members of the public for parking whilst visiting the local convenience store on Bridge Road.
“The staff car park is also used regularly by local residents during weekends, causing issues when school staff return to work on Monday mornings and are unable to park.
“Given that the school site is accessible 24 hours a day to vehicles, it is proposed that a row of retractable telescopic bollards be installed within the school site across the access driveway to control and prevent unauthorised vehicular access out of normal school hours, during weekends and holiday periods, thus further securing the school site.”
The school dates back to the late 19th Century and has historic links to with Horbury Bridge St John’s Church, which neighbours the site.
The statement said: “It is considered that the proposed works are justified, appropriate in heritage terms, and that planning consent should be granted.”
Planning officers have yet to determine the application.