More details have been released around the decision to install fences around some island schools.
The Head of Education Operations has reiterated comments that she previously made, after parents and members of the public were left with questions about the new addition to Amherst Primary School.
A fence went up around the perimeter of the St Peter Port school towards the end of the summer holidays, prompting some parents to compare the new look to a “prison”.
A letter sent to parents explained that this “is part of a state’s [sic] wide initiative to upgrade site security” and that morning drop-off arrangements may change “once the fencing and gates are fully installed”.
The Head of Education Operations also explained that the fences were part of “a longer term estates strategy” focusing on sites “where security could be improved”.
Sophie Roughsedge also confirmed that the “Guernsey community” was not considered a threat.
Ms Roughsedge has now given Express more information about the fence plan – reiterating that they have not been put up as a “reaction to local concerns”.
She also said the fences are there to keep children in school as well as keeping other people out – even though Headteacher Gary Hind’s letter to parents (above) said “the gate opposite the office will remain open all day”.
“Reviewing and, where needed, improving security across our schools is part of routine, ongoing estate management,” explained Ms Roughsedge.
“It reflects a wider approach, seen across many jurisdictions, of ensuring child safety is something schools can actively and consistently manage, rather than a response to any specific or immediate concern.
“In practice, this means ensuring schools can account for who is on site, keep unauthorised adults out, and prevent children leaving unsupervised. Guernsey remains a safe place, but these are sensible, standard measures that any school would expect to have in place, not a reaction to local concerns.”
A States spokesperson previously told Express that they could not confirm how much the fences cost because it considers the information to be commercially sensitive, with the tender an “ongoing process”.
Ms Roughsedge has now confirmed that the “firm carrying out the works at Amherst is registered in the Bailiwick”.
She said the project is a “phased programme of work” with sites like Les Varendes already having their work completed, with work underway at other schools and the remainder scheduled, “with the aim of achieving consistency across all our settings”.
“Because the work must take place during school holidays to avoid disruption, we are scheduling it within necessarily tight timescales, alongside the practical pressures of sourcing and delivering the works,” said Ms Roughsedge.
