National policy on security in schools to be implemented in September

A National School Safety Policy is to be introduced in the new school year.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson made the disclosure on Friday, saying that the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and stakeholders are finalising the policy.

She said it was crucial to develop a more cohesive emergency response policy within schools to address security and other emergency incidents.

“My ministry is now in the process of actively developing a School Safety Policy. We are meeting with all of the stakeholders inclusive of the unions, the principal associations, the police, and the fire service, all with the view of developing a policy which addresses safety and security at our schools. We are aiming to have that policy ready by the next academic year starting in September,” she said as she addressed the graduation ceremony of this year’s cohort of junior fire cadets at the Arch Hall Fire Station.

“The School Safety Policy is expected to generate a greater sense of awareness among our stakeholders so that we clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders so that we create that safe school environment. We want to make sure that we engender a community approach to the issue.”

Adamson said the policy’s main areas of focus would be safety, security, health and ongoing maintenance.

“Safety is a full-time job and not a part-time practice,” she added.

Meanwhile, Adamson applauded the Barbados Fire Service for instructing the young recruits in best practices for safety.

“I want to thank the Barbados Fire Service for their service, for all that you do for us in Barbados, [for] the advice that you give our schools, that you will continue to give our schools. I commend you for this programme and the work done over the last five weeks with these 33 students, and I am pleased to see eight girls among them,” she said.

The education deputy chief also urged the students to use the knowledge they had gained wisely.

“Congratulations fire cadets, and I look forward to seeing how you will be assisting in your institutions,” Adamson told the group.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb