Schools

Testimonials

Hear what our customers think of us:

We are always looking for cost effective and easy to use successful security products.  This anti ram-raid gate not only protects against ram-raids but also burglary via shutter doors. 
 

City Link

 

 
Click here for Pictures of School Installations
 
All schools are increasingly vulnerable to break-ins due to the many thousands of pounds worth of investment being made in IT suites, classrooms and administration offices. SecurÔ is being requested across the education sector to protect this expensive equipment (PCs, laptops, projectors, whiteboards, sports equipment etc) and to secure examination papers (as required by new legislation), confidential data, cash offices and ground floor student flats and communal areas.
 
Education
 
  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Universities
  • Student Accommodation
As the investment in Schools and Colleges increases, the threat of Break-ins is also growing. The Government is constantly increasing the PC-Pupil ratios in schools to aid Learning; provisions need to be put in place to protect this extra investment.
 
 
What happens about keeping exam materials safe?
The JCQ members must ensure that robust procedures are in place to avoid breaches of security and safeguard the integrity of the examinations system. Schools and colleges are required to follow the requirements set out in the Instructions for Conducting Examinations for the use and storage of examination materials.
The safe storage of examination paper is imperative.
The JCQ book ‘Instructions for Conducting Examinations’ states that question papers must be stored in a safe or cabinet in a securely locked room. This room must be in a fixed building, preferably with no windows and on an upper floor.
Requirement
Recommendation
  • Strong safe
or
Security cabinet
or
Metal cabinet with locking bar, bolted to wall or floor
  • 2 or 3 key holders only
 
  • Secure room in fixed building, i.e. not a PortakabinTM  or similar
  • Walls, ceiling and floor of strong, solid construction
  • Preferably on an upper floor with no windows
  • Solid door
  • Strong secure hinges
  • Security lock, e.g. 5 lever mortise lock
  • 2 or 3 key holders only
  • A hollow panel door would require extra re info rcement
Suitable alternative for a centre with large numbers of question papers to store
Requirement
Recommendation
  • Secure, locked, walk in store
  • Solid door with added metal re info rcement
  • Heavy duty hinges
  • 5 lever mortise lock or similar
  • No direct access from a corridor
  • 2 or 3 key holders only
  • Metal security screen may be used in front of door, i.e. roll-down shutter
 
Advice: Where question papers are stored in a room with external windows, bars should be fitted or the room alarmed.
If the room has a glass panel in or above the door, e.g. for health and safety reasons, the glass should be toughened safety glass.
Where the volume of question papers is too great for secure storage in one room, you should use additional rooms within the centre which also meet the required security arrangements.
The Centre Inspection Service can attend the school on an advisory visit for about £90, telephone number: 01483 556 110.
The JCQ book ‘Instructions for Conducting Examinations’ states that question papers must be stored in a safe or cabinet in a securely locked room. This room must be in a fixed building, preferably with no windows and on an upper floor.
The JCQ does not publish a list of manufacturers who sell suitable storage.
 
It is school senior managers who need contacting. Useful first contacts in place of the Site manager would be either the Bursar, who is a key figure in budget and premises overview, or the school’s Information Systems manager, sometimes called “the IT Manager.” He/she will have developed perspective about security needs in this area. Added to this is the comparative isolation of the individual institution that makes the spreading of “good news” about our product problematic.
 
AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
We need systematically to raise product awareness amongst key organizations and individuals within the public education sector who can influence, lead, and guide schools and colleges when decisions about security are made. There are a number of scenarios when this decision-making will occur. These include, routinely, re-evaluating security as a result of loss, refurbishment of specific curriculum areas to meet the ever growing needs of ICT-based learning, routine refurbishment on a cyclical pattern within a school or college, or a capital project that has been Government-approved and funded. We must not neglect either, the security needs of sensitive administrative areas within educational institutions. The national New Build programme is, as well, a huge opportunity to present our product. It needs to be said, however, that this will not be accomplished without our own well developed marketing materials in the shape of exemplar promotional products, high quality literature and website. We may need also to think about related merchandizing. Potential customers will need to see what they are signing up to. Nor will success be immediate, as all developments referred to will take place within a prioritized school development plan, whether this be at the level of the individual institution, local authority, or diocese. We need a longer term vision, therefore, if we are to achieve success. We need also, to be aware of the shape of educational organizations so that our efforts may be judiciously targeted.
 
THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY
There are three groups of schools nationally, that work very closely with each other and the local authority. All schools and colleges also have fully delegated budgets and financial autonomy within this framework.
 
-COMMUNITY SCHOOLS are directly controlled by the LA. Governing Bodies are appointed by the LA, and the LA sponsors developments within individual schools in this sector. All LAs have a School Buildings Officer whose task is to ensure that developments take place equitably and within the overriding principle of “best value”. This does NOT mean “cheapest.” Officers in this capacity meet regularly with Headteachers, in what are often called “Education Management Boards.”  These boards or groups meet at least monthly, and information from Building Officers is routinely discussed. They are key players in influencing expenditure allocation . Much more importantly, they commission their approved architects and project managers to undertake most capital developments in schools and colleges. The London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton have, for example, four major practices – W.S. Atkins is one – who do nearly all their work. We need to get to know as many as possible, and they need to get to know us. The suggested approach is, therefore, to contact the Capital Sections or Building Officers of the LAs, and to get from them the names of the architect and project practices with whom they work. A key source of information here, will be the Education Authorities Directory, published annually. We use this as our data base. The next step is to work with the practices.
 
FOUNDATION SCHOOLS and VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOLS are much more independent of LAs, with highly autonomous governing bodies. The day to day reality, however, is that they will work closely with the expertise and good offices of the LAs in the developing of projects. VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOLS are usually Catholic or Anglican, and we need to recognize that the various diocese across the country are a major force in education, and are effectively LAs in their own right. Their Buildings Officers negotiate annually with the secular LAs to arrive at an equitable and prioritized distribution of central government finance into the voluntary sector. Like the LAs, projects are then managed by a known and trusted group of Quantity Surveying and Project Management firms. For example , Southwark and Arundel and Brighton use C.M.P.B for much of their work, and this organization works across a range of major sectors. Their representatives are, again, key players in determining product choice as the specific details of contracts are worked through. Such firms need to have a real appreciation of the advantages of our product so that we become the preferred choice when matters of security are discussed. We need to identify these organizations and get to know them. Again, a major contact effort is involved. There are 22 Catholic diocese in England and Wales. Each diocese publishes, at this time of year, its annual Year Book. We will need copies of these. All addresses are contained in the Catholic Directory, published annually. We could also advertise in that!
 
SPECIALIST SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES TRUST/YOUTH SPORTS TRUST
 We must recognize that many schools are now part of the Specialist Schools movement. The majority of secondary institutions embrace Specialist Schools status. Specialisms are diverse: Sports Colleges, Performing Arts Colleges, Business and Enterprise Colleges, Technology Colleges, Science Colleges, Maths Colleges, Language Colleges. All have their own distinctive annual conferences, residential in character, and at prestige venues. International Conference Centres in Birmingham and Telford are examples. Several hundred delegates gather at such conferences. The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust provide top class speakers, and there are major exhibitions for educational suppliers accompanying these conferences. They are major marketing opportunities, and furnish significant networking opportunities. Security Blinds Ltd must annually be as well represented as possible at such venues and in such conferences. It would give us very high visibility. Again, we will need the relevant product exemplars and literature, as well as the full range of logo-ed sweatshirts, t-shirts, stress relievers, and computer mats. I would suggest we make such conferences our first serious thrust into this market. Such initiatives are annually sustainable and would give us good product recognition.
 
 
MAJOR EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
 
We need a visible presence at the major exhibitions that take place during the year. Harrogate and the Business Centre in Islington are important for marketing venues. Dates need to be known and exhibition space negotiated.
 
STATE SHOOL BURSARS
 
An important marketing opportunity could be the National Bursars Association, who have their own annual conference, usually in November, and their own website, which interestingly, has no current security references in it.
 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
 
The Independent and Public Schools Year Book is the key data base here. All enquiries should be via the Bursar, who is the major business manager within the school. Remember, their budgets are large. The Court of Whitgift Foundation, for instance, which controls the independent schools in Croydon, is the second largest educational foundation in the country, with huge reserves. They are however, judicious in their choices, so we must present well.
 
FINAL NOTE
 
To give us an idea of the security needs of schools and colleges, the suggested pupil/computer ratio in schools is 1 to 8. The average secondary school has around 1100 pupils. This ignores all the ICT required for school administration. Such computer can be held discretely in departments, many are concentrated in suites of rooms. All need security. We need a good product, a good advertising campaign, a long term and patient commitment, and a determination to make our product fill what many schools see as an important need. You can see that even when we concentrate upon officials who make larger decisions, there is a deal of contacting and follow up that is required.
 
ROBIN GREGORY    NOVEMBER 2006.
 
 
Security Blinds are most appealing to Schools and Colleges who want to –
 
Protect their IT Suites / IT Teaching Rooms – Reduces the cost of replacing valuable equipment that is lost as a result of Break –ins. Also Security Blinds can be closed to block sunlight, which will increase the performance of overhead projectors used in every school as Teaching aids.
 
Protecting areas used to Store Laptops, Projectors, Whiteboards, DVD Players TV’s and other Mobile equipment – The easier equipment is to carry, the more appealing it is to burglars.
 
Protecting area’s used to store Exam papers – New Legislation that requires schools to store Exam papers in a secure area.
 
Administration Offices – Protecting the schools Data will minimizes disruption in the event of a break-in.
 
Cash Offices – Provides extra protection to areas used to store Cash.
 
Blind Spot protection – Security Blinds can help protect areas of the school that face Playing Fields or aren’t over looked by neighbouring houses. These areas can often be popular the entry point for burglars.
 
Student Halls of Residence – Security Blinds can offer maximum protection for Ground Floor Student Flats and Communal areas. This will ensure the protection of Students positions, but also ensure the safety to individual Students. The Blinds can be opened internally which means that the window can still be used as an escape route if necessary.
 
Just a note about school construction frameworks - although the architects are important the project managers and surveyors also have an influence and bearing on specification and I introduced Mouchel Parkman(2800 staff) project managers to my client, engineers and surveyors AKSWard Oxford, for retrofitting state schools in Oxfordshire over the next 5 yrs - Mouchel Parkman are now Oxford County Council's outsourced procurement division for all Oxford County Council Buildings including schools for the next - prequalifying as one of their supply chain partners would be a good target and they are one of the organisations I have noted in my sales feedback report to David as well as targetting the individual schools list of bursars
Simple steps to increase building security levels

In times of heightened concerns about security, it is worthwhile considering the resilience of your own premises to any terrorist attack. The process has a wider value as it will highlight areas of security concern and potential business interruption from other sources, too. Any opening in a building is potentially vulnerable from such attack, with doors and windows usually the weakest points and the best areas to consider for increased security measures for buildings. Windows can be protected using physical barriers such as bars and grilles; alternatively vertical louvres can be fitted inside window and door openings to provide the same level of protection, while being less obtrusive. Where increased security measures are necessary, but there is a desire to maintain an open feel to a building, security films can be used. These are easily fitted to any area of glazing, making glass more resistant to impacts and preventing shattering should panels be subject to attack.

Security shutters provide vital protection

Every home and business needs to consider how best to maintain its security. It is well known that, during times of recession, there is likely to be an increase in theft and burglaries, as people feel the pinch and take more drastic and illegal steps to put food on their table.

Taking sensible security steps is increasingly something that insurance companies insist on, in order to minimise losses and the subsequent claims that are made. Only by asking businesses and homeowners to take the initial preventative steps themselves, can insurance premiums be maintained at affordable levels, they argue. And simple physical prevention measures are often insisted on, ahead of more sophisticated alarms.

One simple physical method of protecting premises is the use of security shutters. These are not only appropriate for business premises, but can also be used on homes and domestic garages. Over windows they are generally more appropriate than unsightly fixed metal bars.

There are a number of designs of security shutters. The roller shutter type is typically retracted into an overhead box, when the premises are open. Most security shutters of this type installed today have a simple electric motor to lift and lower them, which can be operated securely by staff using a security key in an externally mounted switch.

Security shutters can be integrated into the design of the building frontage or a window display area, avoiding the need for unsightly boxes above windows or other openings which are to be protected. For today's security shutters, there is a choice of colours, metal profiles and finishes such as a mesh material or a profile with slots cut into it, which allows some light to pass through, while remaining robust against intruders. For those not required to be weatherproof, such as a security shutter mounted behind a window display, it can be appropriate to have a more open design allowing a view in, while still preventing access. It may even be possible to have the front of the shutter finished in corporate colours, providing an opportunity for branding and advertising even when the premises are closed.

Security Blinds

It's said that during a recession, crime rises as those with less to lose become more desperate about making money any way they can. So even in hard economic times, it makes sense for anyone with their own business to invest in protecting your premises.

While there have been plenty of high technology solutions launched, and the use of widespread closed circuit television is well documented, it remains true that physical deterrents are still the most effective first line of defence in many situations, particularly where property needs to be defended.

The only problem is, the usual approach of fitting bars at the windows hardly presents a welcoming image to visitors and potential customers. For building occupants, the effect is often one of working in a prison, rather than an attractive office! And there are issues around safe means of exit, should there be a fire. Alternatives to this very obvious solution include protective window films, and a recently developed alternative, security blinds.

Modelled on the popular vertical window blinds, which are an effective privacy measure and shield against solar glare, security blinds appear very similar to the vertical hanging strips already used in many office buildings. However, being made from much tougher materials, each vane of the blinds includes a steel core, which in combination with a strongly designed top and bottom rail provides a highly effective protection against intruders. Suitable for all types of windows, security blinds can be easily installed in existing buildings, as well as being ideal for designing in a new build as part of the building's overall security assessment.

In addition to their security value, the aerofoil shaped vanes can also help with solar gain on hot, summer days, and improve the reflection of light into the building on autumn and winter days, when poor daylight levels often mean artificial lights have to be used extensively.

Depending on the level of protection involved, it is possible to specify security blinds for intruder protection; or for a more robust defence it is possible to have blast resistant security blinds – ideal for more sensitive locations in higher risk environments. The beauty of security blinds is that these high levels of property protection are possible, without spoiling the look of a building or severely restricting the view for occupants – an ideal solution.

What makes Security Blinds unique is that we offer bespoke security solutions that will fit most situations to a high level of security, including bomb blast mitigation. We specialise in physical security and focus on providing the best in window and door protection.

We take a consultative approach and our aim is to provide solutions that are both value for money as well as being the most appropriate for your requiement. We have our own design, manufacturing, sales and installation teams.

Our products have been tested by experts and accredited to ensure we provide the best security possible against against forced entry, ram raids and even bomb blasts. Our comprehensive security range includes Secur™security blinds, Secur™ blast protection, film, shutters, retractable gates and our anti ram raid barrier.

Secur Intruder Prevention

Secur intruder prevention is elegent yet robust and effective. It is a much more attractive and a far more effective barrier than security bars and security grilles, many of which can be penetrated in seconds. Secur™ blends in with any style or period of architecture.

The Secur™ system looks like a conventional vertical blind but tempered steel rods are concealed in each of the distinctive aerofoil-shaped blades. These blades, coupled to a unique, patented locking mechanism, create an impenetrable steel barrier.

The blinds have all the benefits that make ordinary ones so appealing. They brighten any building interior; you rotate them to create privacy, keep out noise or bright sunlight and allow for ventilation. The blinds allow access to the window for cleaning and for use as an emergency escape route.

There are currently three level specifiacations in the Secur™ range. These range from the lower spec that can deal with intruder prevention upto the higher spec that can provide a solution for bomb blast.

Security Blinds comply with the highest standards of accreditation for our clients' peace of mind in knowing that we strive for the best.

Anti Ram Raid Gate

This product was developed out of our own requirement to increase the security of the roller shutters on our units.

The retractable Anti Ram Raid Gate is anchored to the inside of the building and will resist being rammed. Roller shutters will not protect against Ram Raids and vehicles are being increasingly used to breach these metal roller shutter doors in order to steal high-value stock. The Anti Ram Raid Gate is easy to operate, cost effective, looks smart and the galvanizing protects it against weathering.

Security Blinds Anti Shatter Film

With the threat of attack a very real and serious possibility in cities and society throughout the world today, protecting people and assets alongside business continuity and emergency planning are a matter of priority for us all. With 90% of all injuries in a blast caused by flying glass, the first area of priority must be the weakest link in our buildings - the glazing.

We tend to forget that the clear glass protecting us from outside elements cannot provide protection from the dangers of a blast. It in fact becomes a danger in itself.

Powerful shock waves from a high-velocity attack emanate in all directions. Your windows could convert into lethal flying shards of glass. Your building will then be open to the elements, allowing the bomb blast to enter your building at speed where internal glazing is also vulnerable, with fixed internal glazing or glass partitioning proving to be just as hazardous.

Our greatest desire is to minimise the quantity and hazard of broken glass and blast induced debris, ensuring business continuity and stability.

Protecting a building's occupants and business continuity is our priority.

Protect your business, property, employees and members of the public with Security Blind's blast mitigation high-tensile strength anti-shatter film.

Security Blind's Blast Mitigation Anti-Shatter Film, when applied to your existing glazing, whether to doors and windows or overhead and internal glazing, will mitigate the effects of bomb blasts on glass. It is an immediate and cost-effective retrofit solution, especially when compared with the replacement of existing glazing.

The film, normally applied to one side of the glazing, will absorb a large degree of the shock wave, stretching, without tearing and lessening the effect as it enters the building. In many cases although the glass breaks, the filmed glass will fall out in one piece,attached to the pressure sensitive film. This minimises damage and injuries.

Security Blind's range of Anchoring Systems and upgrade profiles have become far more popular as a result of increased concerns over the need to retain broken glass intact within the glazing system with Pentagon Protection the first to test to the highest of blast mitigation standards ISO 16933.

Intruder Prevention

Burglary is a major concern for households and Security Blinds can ensure the ultimate security for windows, roof openings, entrance doors and patio doors.

The residential part of the Secur™ range will make for a safer home and peace of mind. Secur™ burglary protection is the one product that really stops break-ins.

A worryingly high percentage of businesses never recover from the disruption and loss caused by break-ins.

Secur™ safeguards you against the disruption, losses and damage to your business, assets and property. But it's not just an efficient way to protect your offices; it's by far the most attractive and appealing option, blending in to create a more pleasant look that staff appreciate.

Security Blinds Retractable Gate

Commercial and Residential Security

This product is ideal for both private and commercial sectors because of its versatility and added security strength. It has excellent vision when closed and complete vision when open. It has the smallest bunch size width available taking only 15% of the overall opening width.

Extra Security

Our collapsible gates are manufactured from pickets that are made of a 16mm x 10mm x 3 mm channel section therefore being the thickest gate section on the market.

Colour to Suit Any Environment

These versatile retractable gates come in powder coated white as standard but there is a choice of numberous colours to fit with your design.

Security Blinds Safety Film

Security Blinds work in partnership with Pentagon Protection; specialists in window film and glass protection.

The weakest part of a building structure is the glazing. It provides an immediate point of entry for break-ins or a focus for vandalism. Shattered glass causes disruption and distress and there are significant financial implications and loss of business during clear up.

Standard glazing is not designed to resist vandalism or forced entry burglary, nor severe wind storms, hurricanes and tornadoes and their consequent wind-borne debris. These events expose people to both scattered and flying glass.

Security Blinds provide an immediate and cost-effective solution to the vulnerability of your glazing and the consequent loss of security. The application of glass containment film will significantly reduce the vulnerability of glass without reducing the benefits of clear glazing.

Tested to BS EN12600 Impact test, our range of glass containment security film is designed to absorb and stretch under attack - bonding any broken glass to the film.

When applied to existing glazing it forms a barrier that delays penetration of your glass making it difficult to gain easy and immediate access. With 'smash and grab' thefts accounting for a large percentage of commercial criminality, if the burglar is met with a degree of resistance due to the presence of Pentagon's glass containment security film, the individual will usually quickly give up and move on.

The benefits of Security Blind's glass containment film can also be combined with solar-control, providing you with both safety AND solar protection.

Security Blinds Home Page - Home of the worlds leading security blinds

Security Blinds is a dedicated physical security specialist focussed on providing the best in window and door protection.

Security , physical sercurity, crime figures, secure property, vertical blinds, security, blast protection, hammer attack on window, home office crime figures

Indoor Roller Security Shutters for Windows, Interior Window Shutters, Interior security shutters for homes and commercial premises. Rollers shutters for windows and doors. shutters, inside shutters, interior window, shutters roller, security shutter, indoor roller

Security Blinds - Security Window Blinds, Security Shutters. Security Blinds is a dedicated physical security specialist focussed on providing the best in Security Blinds, Security Window Blinds, Security Shutters.

security blinds, security shutters, ram raid post, ram raid security, shutter, blind, blinds, security, ram raid, security blinds window, security window blinds, vertical blinds, blast protection, crime figures