As a school administrator or facilities manager, pupil and student safety is always a top priority. But the question is… how can you improve your educational institutions’ current security measures?
One of the most effective ways of keeping premises secure, but convenient to access, is via a modern access control system. A well-designed system can be highly effective at protecting any size establishment, from a local primary school or a specific building such as a science lab, right through to a sprawling campus spread over many locations.
These systems are also designed to streamline all associated management and administrative functions, reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing overall effectiveness.
Even if your site has progressed beyond combination locks to key cards and fobs, these too come with plenty of issues. They might be cheap, but if they are lost they can be easily cloned. If fallen into the wrong hands, can we really expect a group of spirited students to handle them responsibly? Removing users can also be a labour-intensive exercise.
The Benefits of having a Centralised Access Control System
Here are some of the advantages of having centralised access control:
- Highly effective at preventing and detecting unwanted access.
- Unrivalled flexibility. When the need arises to add or remove users or adjust access permissions, it’s a very straightforward process. The system administrator can review and amend data through any remote device.
- If someone requires temporary access to a particular area of the site, such as a contractor or a visitor, or even based upon their credentials or status, e.g., a teacher’s area of specification or department, student’s year of study, maintenance staff etc, this is easy to manage.
- A bespoke level of customisation can be narrowed down to specific times that an individual is allowed access.
- Can be integrated with other on-site security and safety equipment e.g., CCTV and fire alarms.
- Any troubleshooting that might be required can also be handled remotely rather than by physically attending each access point.
Easy set up
A modern access control system doesn’t rely on cards or fobs. For set up, a code is sent to an app on a user’s phone. When the user approaches the door, their information will be sent remotely to a centralised credential reader which will then unlock the door.
But what if the person’s phone is stolen? These credential readers are capable of connecting with the phone’s built-in ‘near-field communication capability’ (NFC). This is the same feature that allows contactless phone payments. If the thief can’t unlock the phone, they wouldn’t be able to gain access to the premises.
Biometric Credentials
The latest state-of-the-art access control systems we install can also work on a mobile, using biometric capability. The systems offer face and fingerprint recognition, features that are unique to that specific person and are virtually impossible to duplicate. When someone wants to access a building, an access control reader transmits the information to the controller’s systems, which will either grant or deny access.
Access Control System and CCTV Integration
The system can be linked to CCTV video surveillance equipment, enhancing the level of security for the campus even further. If there was a situation where someone accessed the site illegally, if they were picked up on a CCTV camera, the information could be sent to the administrator or head of security, where swift action could then be taken to remove that person from the site.
This same access control/CCTV equipment integration could be used to help track anyone down, in the case of an emergency.
Access Control System and Fire Alarm Integration
An access control system can also be linked to a fire alarm system, providing an additional layer of safety. In the event of a fire breaking out in a building, internal doors and exit points would automatically be unlocked, enabling faster evacuation.
Our Gold Standard Access Control and Entry Systems
For all sizes of educational establishment, Justice Fire & Security have a range of high-quality access control systems that can be tailored to your specific requirements, from single-door, multi-door and multi-site solutions. These can be networked and integrated with other security and fire alarm systems.
In particular, we are proud to be recognised installers of Paxton10 building intelligence solutions.
Paxton design and manufacture market-leading IP access control, door entry and building intelligence systems for smart buildings. Worldwide, around 25,000 of these systems are installed in buildings each year, with many in the education field.
These systems meet stringent NSI NACOSS standards (by the National Security Inspectorate) and are installed and maintained by our fully qualified engineers, in accordance with EN50133 and NSI requirements.
Prior to any installation, we would always recommend a comprehensive site security survey, which we carry out free of charge.
Next Steps
For over 30 years, Justice Fire & Security have been installing intruder alarm and access control systems for schools and other educational establishments throughout Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire, along with Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. This includes upgrading of existing equipment.
If you are unsure about the current level of security for your school or college office, call our main switchboard on 0845 468 0927. If you are not ready to talk to us yet, why not download our FREE guide on access control here
Further reading:
Although there is no law that specifies that educational facilities should only be entered via an access control system, Ofsted’s best practice safeguarding guidelines offer a detailed view.
