St Ursula’s Catholic Primary School faced significant safeguarding concerns that were impacting the safety and wellbeing of their pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

The existing automated gate arms had been damaged multiple times, forcing gates to remain open during busy periods or requiring staff to manually operate them throughout the day. This created both a security vulnerability and an operational burden on the school team.

Internally, vulnerable children experiencing crisis situations could access hazardous areas including the pond, car parks, and vehicle access routes without restriction. Within the buildings, they had unrestricted access to all classrooms and circulation spaces, including high-risk areas such as cookery classrooms and stairwells. The narrow steps and pathways used for end-of-day dismissal presented another critical concern and created dangerous congestion.

The Solution

A comprehensive two-phase safeguarding strategy was developed by Munday & Cramer, funded through the Diocese of Brentwood’s VASCA programme. The phased approach allowed the school to address the most critical external threats first, whilst planning for complete internal safeguarding improvements.

Phase 1 (Completed Summer 2023)

Phase 1 focused on securing the perimeter and addressing immediate external threats:

• Installation of 2m high security fencing to replace compromised boundary sections
• New underground automation mechanisms for pedestrian and vehicle gates, designed to prevent tampering
• Initial 1.5m internal fencing to restrict access to hazardous areas
• Access control systems installed throughout KS1 and KS2 blocks

The works were carefully scheduled during the summer holidays to ensure zero disruption to teaching and learning.

Phase 2 (Completed Summer 2024)

Phase 2 completed the safeguarding infrastructure focusing on internal security and site circulation:

• Completion of the 2m perimeter security fencing
• Additional 1.5m internal fencing to fully protect vulnerable areas including the pond and vehicle routes
• Enhanced safeguarding measures in KS1 to limit areas accessible to vulnerable children during crisis situations
• Widening of steps and pathways from KS2 to safely accommodate end-of-day dismissal

The Results

This safeguarding project has transformed St Ursula’s into a secure, well-protected environment. The school has experienced zero security breaches since Phase 1 completion, ending the cycle of vandalism, theft, and graffiti that had plagued the site.

Staff no longer need to manually operate gates, freeing up valuable time whilst maintaining consistent security. The automated systems with underground mechanisms have proven robust, eliminating the recurring maintenance costs previously spent on repairs and replacements.

Vulnerable children are now protected by carefully planned physical barriers and access control systems that limit their movement during crisis situations, whilst still allowing appropriate freedom during normal circumstances. The separation of pedestrian and vehicle areas has significantly reduced collision risks, whilst the widened dismissal areas have made end-of-day collection safer and more efficient for families.

The professional appearance created by the new security infrastructure has enhanced the school’s reputation, providing reassurance to current families whilst making a positive first impression on prospective parents.

Project Delivery

Munday & Cramer provided comprehensive support throughout both phases, from initial VASCA bid preparation through to project completion. The team’s experience in education sector funding applications proved crucial.

The careful planning and phased approach ensured that the school could make meaningful progress without compromising on the overall vision.

Both phases were delivered on time and within budget, with summer scheduling ensuring pupils returned to progressively safer facilities at the start of the academic year.