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Attendance tracking has always been a fundamental practice in schools. After all, students cannot learn what they aren’t present to hear or participate in, and so the taking of the register, often multiple times a day, is something that has become deeply ingrained in our collective memory of being at school.
But what about staff? One could argue it is equally, if not more, essential that staff’s presence on site is tracked with consistent precision, in order to ensure that things can run smoothly and that students are safely attended to.
In this blog post, we will explore the many ways in which an accurate and reliable time and attendance system is vital to ensure safeguarding procedures in schools are kept to a high level.
The Importance of Safeguarding Procedures in Schools
It goes without saying that the safety of students is paramount when they are attending school. Parents and guardians put their absolute faith in schools to ensure that their child is being well looked after while they learn the fundamental skills they need to succeed in life.
Safeguarding is about creating a culture where children feel safe, protected, and valued. It is about preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and ensuring that children can thrive. Schools have a crucial role to play in this, as they are places in which children spend a significant portion of their day.
Robust safeguarding procedures in schools are essential for identifying and responding to concerns about children’s welfare. It involves everyone in the school community, from teachers and support staff to governors and parents.
Safeguarding legislation in UK schools is multifaceted and varies across the four nations. In England, the Department for Education provides key guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, outlining legal duties to safeguard children. Similar guidance exists in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with specific regulations.
These frameworks establish statutory responsibilities for schools to protect children from harm, including abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Key legislation in England includes the Education Act 2002, which places a safeguarding duty on schools.
By working together, schools can create a safe environment where children can learn and grow without fear. Effective safeguarding also includes educating children about personal safety, healthy relationships, and online risks.
All of this is also pertinent for vulnerable young people, such as children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), who require specific guidance and support dependent on their condition. Ultimately, safeguarding is one of the most crucial functions a school can perform, and so a robust system must be in place to ensure things operate as they should.
Know who is on site at all times
Knowing exactly who is on your school premises at any given time is fundamental to safeguarding your students and staff. In the event of an emergency, having accurate and up-to-date information about staff location is crucial for effective response. Monitoring staff presence also helps to deter unauthorised access and maintain a secure environment.
By implementing a reliable clocking-in system, you gain instant visibility of your staff’s presence. Our biometric entry machines add an extra layer of security, ensuring only authorised personnel can access specific areas. This not only enhances overall security but also provides crucial data for safeguarding procedures in schools.
Imagine the peace of mind knowing you can accurately account for all staff members in case of an emergency. Our systems allow you to quickly identify who is on site and, in the case of larger schools, which building they are in. This information is invaluable for emergency procedures like fire drills or lockdowns.
Moreover, our time and attendance solutions help maintain accurate staff records. By tracking working hours and attendance, you can identify potential issues or discrepancies that may require further investigation. This proactive approach to staff management contributes to a safer school environment.
Investing in a top-quality time and attendance system is not just about efficiency; it’s about safeguarding your school community. Our solutions provide the tools you need to create a secure and protected learning environment.
DBS checking is key to safeguarding
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a crucial tool for employers seeking to protect vulnerable groups. By processing and issuing background checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, the DBS helps organisations make informed decisions about their workforce.
Additionally, the DBS maintains comprehensive lists of individuals barred from working with specific groups and makes considered judgments about who should be included on these registers. Most organisations will request new DBS checks for staff every three years, but this is up to the discretion of each organisation.
Our state-of-the-art time and attendance systems are able to monitor who is DBS checked and has been authorised to be on site. This ensures you’re confident that only cleared personnel are present on your premises, safeguarding your students and staff.
By integrating DBS check status with our system, you can create robust safeguarding procedures. Our software can generate reports highlighting employees whose checks are due for renewal, helping you stay compliant with regulations and maintain a secure environment.
In addition to DBS checks, our time and attendance system can also track other essential safeguarding information, such as first aid qualifications, child protection training, and emergency contact details. This comprehensive approach empowers you to make informed decisions and respond effectively to any potential issues.
Make sure you have enough first aiders
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, schools have a legal obligation to provide adequate first aid facilities. This includes conducting a thorough risk assessment to determine the necessary level of provision, equipping first aid kits appropriately, and appointing qualified first-aiders.
While these regulations primarily cover employees, schools must also consider the safety of students and visitors, implementing procedures to ensure their well-being in case of an emergency. By effectively managing first aid resources through a time and attendance system, schools can demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety.
Accidents can occur unexpectedly, making it imperative to have qualified first aiders readily available on school premises. Our time and attendance system offers a robust solution to effectively manage your first aid provision.
By integrating first aid qualifications, expiry dates, and certifications into our system, you gain unparalleled visibility into your staff’s first aid capabilities. Our software enables you to easily track when recertification is required, ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.
Furthermore, our time and attendance system allows you to schedule first aiders based on their availability and the school’s operational hours. This ensures optimal coverage throughout the day, minimising response times in case of emergencies. Knowing who is on-site on any given day is essential in order to streamline emergency first aid response.
Our system also generates comprehensive reports on first aid coverage, allowing you to identify potential gaps in your provision and make informed decisions about staffing and training requirements. By optimising your first aid resources, you create a safer environment for students and staff alike.
Our time and attendance systems are more than just a tool for managing hours; they offer a comprehensive solution for enhancing school safety and well-being.
Keep your Students Safe with North East Time Recorders
To ensure optimal safeguarding, your school needs a reliable and precise time and attendance system that goes beyond traditional clocking-in. Our solutions offer a range of features designed to protect your school community, from verifying staff identities and qualifications to managing essential resources like first aid provision.
By investing in North East Time Recorders, you’re not only improving efficiency and compliance but also creating a safer and more secure environment for students and staff alike.
Our systems empower you to make informed decisions, respond effectively to emergencies, and demonstrate a strong commitment to student protection. Contact us today to discover how our solutions can transform your school’s safeguarding practices.
For more information on How to Improve Safeguarding Procedures in Schools talk to North East Time Recorders Ltd