Security for schools in Suffolk & Cambridgeshire

Employing a security officer to perform school caretaker duties can protect students, staff and property.

Schools have a duty of care towards their staff and students. They also have expensive equipment, such as computers and other electronic equipment to protect on-site. The responsibility for the security of personnel and property on campus will ultimately fall on the head teacher and the school management team. When it comes to school security, asking the experts may be a wise move.

One effective security measure they may suggest is to hire a security officer to perform caretaker duties. Here’s how they can help…

Caretaker services for schools

The role of a school caretaker is closely linked to that of a security officer. Therefore, it makes sense to outsource school caretaking duties to an external security company.

Combining the role of caretaker, security guard and concierge, a security officer will prevent unauthorised access and ensure buildings and property are secure. With excellent customer service skills, they’ll act as a point of contact for visitors on site.

Responsible for locking and unlocking the premises each day, caretakers are on hand to support teaching staff throughout the school day. They can assist with car parking and break duty, ensuring the safety of students and staff, as well as other important duties.

Why use a security company to provide your school caretaker?

Security service providers will have a pool of security officers at their disposal. This means they can cover holidays and absence at short notice. Likewise, all the staff they provide will be fully trained to deal with any incidents which may arise on site, such as trespass or vandalism.

When choosing a security officer to perform your school caretaker duties you can rest assured that they have been enhanced DBS checked. As part of their SIA licence, all our officers have a five-year checkable history, so there will be no unsavoury surprises down the line.

What security duties will a caretaker undertake?

The caretaker will be on-site at the same times as other staff. This means they are accessible and able to respond to issues at any time.

Some of the key duties they may undertake on a daily basis include:

  • Unlocking and securing school buildings at the start and end of the day
  • Ensuring the ongoing security of property
  • Undertaking regular security checks and making recommendations to counter any threats found
  • Responding to alarm activations
  • Monitoring fire safety and security equipment
  • Monitoring car parking

How security guards can protect vulnerable students

Security officers have received the training to be able to deal with potentially volatile situations. If a pupil is particularly vulnerable, an officer will be able to spot issues such as potential bullying and keep an eye on the situation to prevent it escalating.

A security officer can assist with car park and break time duty, ensuring both go without a hitch. One of the key areas of concern for staff is unauthorised access on school grounds. Whether an excluded pupil, a disgruntled parent or a member of the public, unwanted personnel on school site can cause a disturbance. A security officer can quickly diffuse potential flashpoints and deal with the situation efficiently and legally.

Gate control for universities

Caretaking is just one of the services Abbey Security offers for schools. Another important service for higher education establishments and universities is gate control. Restricting access to the campus to unauthorised individuals and vehicles, a security officer can keep students safe. Security officers are also able to monitor individuals or groups of students who may be vulnerable due to factors such as alcohol or lack of knowledge of the local area.

What other tasks should be taken to protect my school?

As in business, prevention is better than the cure. Tall perimeter fencing with anti-climb paint can help prevent intruders. Likewise, CCTV and an alarm system can act as a deterrent, as well as help convict an offender following a crime. Good housekeeping is also important. Ensure all windows and doors conform to approved standards and are securely locked at the end of the day.


Abbey Security provides security services to schools in Thetford, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and the surrounding areas

For school security services in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire speak to the team at Abbey Security. We’ll undertake a thorough review of your school site, highlighting vulnerable areas and provide solutions to improve your security.

For an informal chat, or to find out more about our security officer as a caretaker service, contact us on 01284 768832 or fill in our contact form.


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Posted on November 26, 2018

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