How schools can comply with Martyn's Law
and protect pupils and staff
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill is expected to be put before Parliament in the spring of 2024. The bill, commonly known as Martyn's Law, intends to improve safety in publicly accessible places if a terrorist attack occurs. The types of premises the law will apply to include primary and secondary schools.
The law divides premises into two categories according to their capacity. The responsibilities for those in the Standard Tier (capacity between 100 and 799 people) are less demanding than those for Enhanced Tier venues (capacity 800 or more).
Even if their capacity is 800 or over, it is proposed that premises used for childcare or primary, secondary, or further education will fall within the Standard Tier.
A consultation process on the requirements of Standard Tier premises ended in March 2024. Following the consultation, changes to the legislation have been proposed. These aim to ensure that requirements for Standard Tier premises are proportionate and clear while achieving their primary objective of implementing simple procedures that could reduce harm and save lives in an attack.
Obligations for schools
One of the primary obligations of those responsible for Standard Tier premises is to implement procedures that, so far as reasonably practicable, reduce harm to the public and staff at the premises in the event of a terrorist attack. These include evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
They are intended to focus on outcomes, rather than processes, and the development of tailored and effective plans and procedures. Premises are not expected or required to make any physical alterations.
Settings with a maximum capacity of less than 100 will not be legally obliged to take action under Martyn's Law.
However, the principles of Counter Terrorism Protect and Prepare can be adopted by schools of any size to ensure their communities are safeguarded.
Creating your response
When formulating plans and procedures, schools should focus on three main topics.
In a school, the people who need help in the event of an incident are not all together in the same place at the same time. They could be in classrooms, offices or outside. Whatever the school size, this can make it challenging to guide and communicate with everyone appropriately in an emergency. This challenge is complicated because some people on-site need to be told what to do by a person of authority.
Guide – how to direct people towards the most appropriate location.
Shelter – establish how the site can lockdown and provide refuge for those on-site.
Communicate – have a mechanism to communicate quickly and effectively with the appropriate people on the site.
Will this affect Ofsted inspections?
We understand that Ofsted inspectors will assess compliance with Martyn’s Law and look for effective procedures. Failure to comply may lead to an improvement notice, and ignoring it could result in serious consequences, including legal action.
Once the law is finalised, we anticipate clarity on the criteria for “Good” and “Outstanding” ratings.
How can HMS Automated Gates assist you?
With providing you with controlled access to your school premises with secure automated entrance gates as well as securing automated pedestrian gates. We can secure your existing gates or new installations of gates to assist your Lockdown requirements.
HMS Automated Gates solution offers a range of Automated controlled access including, automating existing gates, providing new pair gates with automation, sliding gates, underground bollards and speed lanes and pedestrian gates and controlled access to internal doors and more…
Operating on a budget? Start with the essential requirements and expand later.
HMS Automated Gates sales team is available to visit your site and tailor a quote to suit your lockdown solution needs. So contact us today and arrange a site visit to carry out a free risk assessment in line with the upcoming Martyns law requirements.
