Lockdown Safety Explained:
What Schools Need to Know
Why is a Lockdown Alarm System necessary?
A Lockdown Alarm System is an essential part of a school's safety infrastructure, providing a fast, reliable way to alert everyone when a security threat arises.
Unlike fire alarms, which signal evacuation, a lockdown alarm triggers an immediate "Lockdown procedure" response, helping staff and pupils move quickly to safety.
Every minute matters: By positioning the alarm-triggering devices in the most appropriate locations, including outside, car park areas & playing fields, alarm initiation can take place at the earliest opportunity, improving safety and outcomes.
The system ensures clear communication, instant activation, and distinct alerts that can be heard and seen across the site, minimising confusion in high-stress situations. It also supports compliance with national guidance from Ofsted, NASUWT, and NaCTSO, while aligning with the upcoming requirements under Martyn's Law.
By installing a dedicated lockdown alarm system, schools can demonstrate best practice, strengthen their safeguarding measures, and provide tangible evidence of preparedness during inspections or emergency audits.
Ofsted
Education and care services for children and youth in England are inspected and regulated by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). To educate parents and promote improvements in these areas, Ofsted conducts inspections of schools, colleges, nurseries, and children’s social care agencies, publishing reports that include ratings.
Ofsted mandates that every school must have a security lockdown plan in place. The headmaster or a designated staff member is responsible for determining the appropriate response during a security crisis. Many sources now indicate that Ofsted recommends that schools implement a dedicated lockdown alarm separate from the fire alarm. These sources also emphasise that a lockdown alarm is a crucial element of a comprehensive school lockdown policy, and that Ofsted inspectors will inquire about it during school visits to assess emergency preparedness and student safety.
NaCTSO
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) is a police-hosted unit that provides advice and guidance for the "Protect and Prepare" elements of the UK Government's counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. It supports national security by offering expert information and training to schools, businesses, and organisations on physical security, personal safety, and emergency planning.
NaCTSO oversees the Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) network and develops public awareness initiatives such as the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign.
In its guidance for schools, NaCTSO advises schools to use a dedicated lockdown alarm with a distinct sound, which can be activated from multiple locations to prompt immediate protective action, such as securing the site and seeking shelter. It specifically warns against using fire alarms during a lockdown, as they may cause staff and pupils to evacuate into potential danger.
NASUWT
Lockdown procedures are essential for protecting students and staff while minimising disruptions to learning. The NASUWT recommends that schools implement both partial and complete lockdowns. A full lockdown should be enforced during incidents involving intruders on school grounds, while a partial lockdown is appropriate for nearby risks, such as civil unrest or external hazards.
Schools should also develop contingency plans for broader emergencies, such as significant fires or local disturbances, to ensure everyone's safety until emergency services arrive. To enhance preparedness, the NASUWT advises conducting a vulnerability assessment using the traffic light system to identify and secure high-risk areas.
The objective of these measures is to ensure that every school has a clear and tested response plan. This allows them to act quickly to protect students and staff from potential threats while maintaining calm and control during any incident.
Martyn's Law
In memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, Martyn's Law was established. His mother, Figen Murray, advocated for this legislation, which mandates that specific locations and events implement anti-terrorism measures to enhance public safety.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law, aims to improve protective security and organisational readiness across the UK. It requires those responsible for certain premises and events to consider their response to potential terrorist
attacks. Additionally, for larger premises and events, appropriate measures to reduce vulnerability to such attacks must be evaluated.
Under the Act, qualifying premises and events will be better prepared and protected, ensuring they are ready to respond effectively to a terrorist incident. Schools are particularly required to conduct a terrorism risk assessment and develop protocols for communication, lockdown, and evacuation. Enforcement of the Act will begin in 2027.
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