Is Your School Martyn's Law Compliant?
In anticipation of Martyn’s Law, expected to take effect later this year, we aim to ensure your educational setting is prepared to protect staff and pupils from terrorism.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is a UK-wide measure designed to enhance the protection of larger premises against terrorist attacks. Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law is the result of his mother’s tireless campaigning. The draft bill was published in May 2023, with final consultations ending on March 18, 2024.The bill mandates increased protection for certain premises based on their size: Standard Tier for capacities of 100-799 individuals, and Enhanced Tier for 800 or more. Educational premises will fall under the Standard Tier, regardless of student numbers.
What is a Lockdown Procedure?
A lockdown procedure involves clear, pre-communicated actions. When an alert is triggered, all staff and pupils must move to the safest location, whether evacuating, relocating within the building, or staying put.
The alert must be broadcast throughout the premises. With Schoolwatch’s Lockdown Solutions, alerts can be triggered across multiple buildings simultaneously. The word “lockdown” or a coded message can be transmitted. Pre-recorded messages save time and reduce panic.
Not just the front desk, but members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) should also have trigger buttons. Alerts can be activated via a control box or remotely from a PC or smartphone. Schoolwatch offers sounders for both indoor and outdoor areas.
Lockdown procedures may be triggered by any potential threat, such as an intruder or a local disturbance. Other steps include locking doors and windows, closing blinds/curtains, turning off lights and interactive whiteboards, hiding, moving to safe areas, taking a register, and communicating with SLT, all while staying silent.
How can you prepare?
At Schoolwatch, we understand the challenges schools face under Martyn’s Law and aim to assist you in safeguarding your school through lockdown and evacuation readiness.
Effective lockdown and evacuation procedures are essential, but merely having them isn’t sufficient. Considerations include: Where is the lockdown system located? How will it be tested and communicated? Where will announcements be broadcast? How is individual accountability ensured?
Regular training and testing of procedures for staff and pupils are crucial to avoid confusion.
We recommend:
- Providing clear instructions
- Training all staff and pupils
- Testing and communicating effectively
- Informing parents about procedures and testing to reassure them of your school’s commitment to compliance with the law.
Each school should designate a responsible individual for lockdown or evacuation procedures, which may be the same person handling fire safety or another staff member.
Will this affect Ofsted inspections?
We understand that Ofsted inspectors will assess compliance with Martyn’s Law and look for effective procedures. Failure to comply may lead to an improvement notice, and ignoring it could result in serious consequences, including legal action.
Once the law is finalised, we anticipate clarity on the criteria for “Good” and “Outstanding” ratings.
How can Schoolwatch assist you?
Enhancing your premises with a Digital Alerts System is a simple way to broadcast your Lockdown alert.
Schoolwatch’s solution offers a range of features including Push Alerts, Mobile App, Desktop Alerts, Panic Buttons, PA Speakers, Digital Signage and more.
Operating on a budget? Start with the essential requirements and expand later, leveraging your existing setup.
New to Schoolwatch? Our sales team is available to visit your site and tailor a quote to suit your lockdown solution needs.
