First Facts: School Safety - Many Solutions, One Priority

The Importance of School Safety

School safety is extremely important for a thriving educational environment. When students, teachers, and parents feel secure, learning can happen without distraction or fear. A safe school is one where everyone can focus on growth, development and achievement.

Ensuring safety on school grounds plays an important role in protecting children from a range of potential threats and hazards:

• Prevents unauthorised access
• Reduces risks of accidents
• Minimises injury hazards
• Creates a secure environment
• Supports supervision efforts
• Protects against bullying
• Promotes peace of mind
• Helps meet legal and safeguarding requirements

A safer school environment supports not only physical well-being but also emotional health. When children feel safe, their concentration, confidence, and overall happiness improve.

Implementing effective perimeter security - through robust fencing, secure gates and controlled access is a critical step in safeguarding every individual. These measures act as a protective barrier against external threats while reducing internal risks, creating a secure space.

With increasing concerns around school security, compliance with recognised safety standards like RoSPA guidelines and BS EN 12604 is essential. These standards help schools implement best practices that reduce injury risks and prevent accidents, ensuring the perimeter infrastructure itself is a safe barrier, not a hazard.

Investing in compliant fencing and gates demonstrates a school’s commitment to safety, helping to build trust within the community and create a secure foundation for future generations to learn and thrive.

School Safety Standards

Adhering to recognised school safety standards is essential for creating a secure and legally compliant learning environment. Key frameworks such as the RoSPA (Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents) guidelines and BS EN 12604 ensure that fencing and gate systems are designed to prevent injuries, manage risk, and protect children from harm.

RoSPA focuses on eliminating hazards, especially in areas like playgrounds, while BS EN 12604 sets the benchmark for the safe mechanical operation of gates, including resistance to crushing, shearing, and impact.

By following these standards, schools demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding, meet local authority requirements, and create a perimeter that is as safe as it is secure.

What is RoSPA?

The RoSPA guidelines are safety recommendations provided by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) - a UK-based charity dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries in everyday environments, including schools.

RoSPA Guidelines focus on:

• Preventing accidents around gates and fencing
• Designing safer playgrounds and perimeters
• Aligning with legal and safeguarding requirements

RoSPA guidelines are not laws, but they are widely adopted best practices trusted by schools, local authorities, and safety professionals. Using RoSPA compliant fencing and gate systems helps schools actively reduce injury risks and demonstrate a clear commitment to child safety.

What is BS EN 12604?

BS EN 12604 is a British and European safety standard that sets out the mechanical requirements and testing procedures for the safe operation of doors and gates, including those used in schools and other public environments.

Specifically, it covers manually operated and power operated gates, ensuring they are designed and installed in a way that prevents injury during use.

Key Areas Covered by BS EN 12604:

• Safe movement of the gate
• Protection against crushing, shearing, and impact
• Structural integrity
• Durability and safety of components

Why it matters for Schools

BS EN 12604 compliance, helps ensure:

• Gates do not slam or move erratically
• Finger and limb entrapment risks are reduced
• The gate remains safe and functional over time
• The school complies with legal health and safety responsibilities

While BS EN 12604 is not a law itself, it forms part of the best practice expectations under UK Health & Safety regulations. Failure to comply could expose a school or contractor to legal liability in the event of injury or equipment failure.

Using BS EN 12604 compliant gates, especially when paired with RoSPA compliant fencing gives schools confidence that their perimeter infrastructure is safe, robust, and designed with children’s well-being in mind.

School Fencing from First Fence

There are lots of options available for your school with First Fence.

Mesh Fencing & Gates

There are many types of mesh fencing to choose from that make suitable fencing and gate boundaries for schools.

Twin Mesh Fencing - clear visibility which can be beneficial for security purposes. 

V Mesh Fencing - robust and durable due to its unique V-shaped design.

Safetop Mesh Fencing - no sharp edges, making it ideal for school settings.

Rebound Mesh - ideal for sports courts and playgrounds.

Apollo Mesh Gates - A universally handed, modular gate system, ideal for school settings, and available in single and double leaf gates.

Railings & Railing Gates 

We have a range of standard and environmentally friendly, EnviroRail® railings that would suit areas around a school.

Standard Bow Top Railings - attractive and versatile to create a visually appealing boundary.

EnviroRail® Bow Top Railings - designed with a curved top rail for safety, making them ideal for schools and playgrounds.

EnviroRail® Play Sec Bow Top Railings - specifically engineered for child-safe environments like playgrounds and schools. Each bay features gap widths of less than 89mm to prevent arms or legs from becoming trapped. These are also available in a multi-coloured option, making them visually appealing for a school and/or playground area.

EnviroRail® Railing Gates - Available in a range of heights and styles, our EnviroRail® railing gates are environmentally friendly, and are ideal for playgrounds and schools. Every sustainable gate features a third hinge to meet BS EN 12604 guidelines, ensuring secure functionality even in the unlikely event of hinge failure.

PlaySecure® Railing Gates

These playsecure railing gates have been designed with the utmost attention to safety and quality to comply with RoSPA regulations. The gate edges are smooth, and have a universal swing direction, which is determined by the retrofitting of the slam plate, which means they conform to the RoSPA requirement for gates.

With a 1.2m opening the single leaf gate easily conforms to the recommendation that gates should be at least 1.0m at the opening to allow pushchairs and wheelchairs through.

With a built-in self-closing mechanism designed to close gently over at least five seconds, reducing the risk of injury. Safety tethers provide additional protection in the event of hinge failure, while smooth, rounded edges eliminate sharp points that could cause harm. All gates are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 12604 standards, making them ideal for child-friendly environments.

Long Term Benefits

Investing in permanent, secure fencing and gates provides a range of long-term benefits to schools, students, staff and the wider community.

1. Enhanced safety and security
Permanent fencing and gates provide a robust physical barrier that protects students and staff from unauthorised access, reducing the risk of intruders, vandalism and theft. This consistent security presence deters unwanted visitors and helps maintain a controlled, safe environment around the clock.

2. Improved student well-being and focus
When the school perimeter is secure, students feel safer and more confident, which supports better concentration and engagement in learning. The reduced anxiety related to safety concerns creates a more positive atmosphere, boosting academic performance and emotional well-being.

3. Lower maintenance and replacement costs
Quality permanent fencing and gates are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, wear and tear, and potential damage over several years. Durable materials and professional installation mean fewer repairs and replacements are needed, saving the school money and reducing disruptions.

4. Compliance with safety standards 
Installing fencing and gates that meet standards such as RoSPA guidelines and BS EN 12604 ensures that safety and legal requirements are continually met. This reduces liability risks and helps schools maintain compliance with health and safety regulations over time.

5. Clear boundaries and access control
Permanent fencing clearly defines school boundaries, helping to regulate pedestrian and vehicle access efficiently. This supports staff supervision, simplifies visitor management, and reduces the risks of accidents during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

6. Long Term Community Trust
A visible, secure perimeter communicates a school’s commitment to safeguarding its students and staff, building trust with parents, local authorities, and the wider community. This can lead to improved community relations and greater support for school initiatives.

Contact Us 

For more information on our school fencing and gates, please contact our friendly sales team on 01283 512111 or email sales@firstfence.co.uk.

Download our pdf version of First Facts: School Safety - Many Solutions, one priority.