Latest News » Governor's statement on Safer Schools Partnership - 15th March 2008
The Governing Body Meeting held on 7th February 2008 agreed the recommendation to reaffirm our commitment to the partnership in having a Safer Schools Officer (SSO) based at the school.
In reaching their decision the Governing Body took into consideration the need to ensure that the welfare, safety and well being of students and staff were paramount. There had been much debate and documental input which aided the Governing Body in reaching this decision including
- A letter signed by 121 staff in support of the SSP
- Personal letters from staff
- Personal letters from parents
- Letter and recommendation from the Assistant Director (Inclusion), Camden CSF
- Student letter
- Notes from the Governors and Parent’s Voice meeting of 21st January 2008
- NUT – Role of Community Police Officers Safer Schools Partnership
- Fortune Green Safer Neighbourhood – Report of meeting at Hampstead School Parent Voice of 27th November 2007
- Home Office guidance
The School Council representative at the Governing Body meeting also reported on the discussion that had taken place at the Student Council. Whilst there were a range of views Year Representatives felt it would be good to have a police officer for safety in and out of school and who could also be involved in assemblies, citizenship and Self and Society lessons.
The meeting also heard from the Head, most of the Governors who were present and from members of the School’s Leadership Team.
In reaching its decision the Governing Body also commented on the implementation of the Safer Schools Partnership.
The Governing Body would continue to work closely with the school to ensure the agreed developing protocol met the needs of the school and that the partnership is carefully managed. Criminalising children was not the intention of the partnership although in extreme cases, such as any student carrying a weapon in school, this may be wholly appropriate.
The Governing Body acknowledge that there had been some reservations and consequent learning from aspects of the previous safer schools experience, although there was a 40% drop in crime in and around the school. In addition it was important that events of the 24 November 2006 were not confused with the Safer Schools partnership introduced to protect and educate children and to create trust by working in partnership with the police.
The Safer Schools Partnership is linked to the Children’s Plan and there was a misconception that this was focused only on London Schools, however, the original trial was carried out in urban areas. Rural schools were now also engaged as this initiative becomes mainstream.
The safer schools officer was a key part of the government’s community cohesion strategy which would form part of the inspection process from September 2008. Their presence was fundamental to deterring antisocial behaviour within and the area around the school. There were worrying pressures on young people to join gangs in the local area, with some members having infiltrated the school site during the school day.
The Safer Schools Partnership Officer is expected to work closely with the local safer neighbourhood teams to reduce the incidents outside the school.
Geoff Berridge
Chair of Governors
15th March 2008
