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16/10/2006
Weapons searches to be conducted in schools
Schools will now be able to screen pupils for weapons using airport-style security checks, under new measures announced by the government.
Screening will involve pupils walking through a "bleeping" arch or being checked with a metal detector.
Headteachers and school staff have also been given new powers to search pupils for weapons as part of the government's policy to keep knives and other weapons out of schools.
If the screening arouses suspicion that a pupil is carrying a weapon, school staff will be able to use the new powers - contained in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill - in order to carry out a hands-on search.
Random checks will also be carried out, in order to catch offenders unaware.
Heads will still be able to call in the police if they need to in order to deal with incidents.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We're giving headteachers the extra powers they need to make their schools safe for all pupils and staff. If they feel it is appropriate they can now both screen and search pupils to prevent weapons coming through the school gates.
"Parents will welcome the fact that we are sending out a clear message that bringing a knife into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.
"This will be a strong deterrent to the small minority of pupils who want to bring knives and other weapons into the classroom."
The announcement has been welcomed by teachers' union NASUWT. General Secretary Chris Keates said: "Although schools cannot be entirely immune from the growing weapon carrying culture on the streets, they do remain relatively safe havens of peace and security. However, headteachers and teachers need support to ensure they stay that way.
"Headteachers should be able to commission the searches either from staff who have school security as part of their role or from external sources.
"The Government's promotion of this strategy will undoubtedly be warmly received by the school workforce."
The maximum sentence for carrying a knife has also been doubled from two to four years.
(KMcA)
Screening will involve pupils walking through a "bleeping" arch or being checked with a metal detector.
Headteachers and school staff have also been given new powers to search pupils for weapons as part of the government's policy to keep knives and other weapons out of schools.
If the screening arouses suspicion that a pupil is carrying a weapon, school staff will be able to use the new powers - contained in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill - in order to carry out a hands-on search.
Random checks will also be carried out, in order to catch offenders unaware.
Heads will still be able to call in the police if they need to in order to deal with incidents.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We're giving headteachers the extra powers they need to make their schools safe for all pupils and staff. If they feel it is appropriate they can now both screen and search pupils to prevent weapons coming through the school gates.
"Parents will welcome the fact that we are sending out a clear message that bringing a knife into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.
"This will be a strong deterrent to the small minority of pupils who want to bring knives and other weapons into the classroom."
The announcement has been welcomed by teachers' union NASUWT. General Secretary Chris Keates said: "Although schools cannot be entirely immune from the growing weapon carrying culture on the streets, they do remain relatively safe havens of peace and security. However, headteachers and teachers need support to ensure they stay that way.
"Headteachers should be able to commission the searches either from staff who have school security as part of their role or from external sources.
"The Government's promotion of this strategy will undoubtedly be warmly received by the school workforce."
The maximum sentence for carrying a knife has also been doubled from two to four years.
(KMcA)
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