While Amherst’s summer facelift has raised eyebrows, the States has confirmed that more schools will also be having security fences installed.
The Amherst Primary School building was built more than 100 years ago and is currently used to educate children aged four to 11.
The new fences were installed recently, ahead of the school term, prompting some parents to compare the school’s new look to a “prison”.
However when asked by Express, the States has not confirmed what they cost or what security risks they were intended to address.
Other schools have already had these fences installed, with more expected to follow.
The States did not confirm how much the fences cost because it considers the information to be commercially sensitive, with a spokesperson saying the tender is an “ongoing process”.
Why does Amherst look like a prison? It’s depressing!
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The new fence around Amherst Primary and its fields was first noticed last week with some parents questioning the installation on social media.
Where some parents felt the safety of their children is paramount, others asked what safety risks there actually were.
Sophie Roughsedge, Head of Education Operations for the Bailiwick, didn’t say what risk the fences were addressing are when Express asked, instead explaining that they meet “safeguarding and security standards”.
Ms Roughsedge also confirmed that the “Guernsey community” was not considered a threat.
Unauthorised access and unsupervised children
“The installation of new gates at some of our schools is part of a longer-term estates strategy that has been underway over the past five years, working closely with colleagues in the States Property Unit,” she explained.
“The focus has been on sites where security could be improved, including places where children could potentially leave the site unsupervised, or where members of the public could gain access without permission.
“The gates and fences follow a design standard specified by us to meet safeguarding and security standards.
“Addressing these points is about fulfilling our safeguarding duties, and while we know that the Guernsey community in general does not pose a threat to children, it is important that we take all practicable steps to ensure every child’s safety.”
