Back To School Checklist from Almas Industries

Ensuring your school is safe and secure is a top priority when staff and pupils return for the new term.

This checklist will help you identify key areas to review, upgrade, or put in place.

Perimeter & Site Security

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Inspect gates, fencing, and boundaries for damage, gaps, or weak points. Has anyone created a new way in to the grounds over the summer.
Confirm that perimeter locks and latches are working correctly.
Check exterior lighting is functional, especially at entrances, car parks, and pathways.
Ensure visitor parking areas are clearly marked and separated from pupil drop-off zones.
Trim hedges, trees, and shrubs to eliminate hiding places and improve visibility.
Write up a report that describes the problems.

Access Control & Entry Points

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Ensure all entrances have secure, self-closing doors.
Test your entry systems (PIN code, fob, smartphone, biometric, or intercom) for reliability.
Review access permissions and revoke credentials for staff/ contractors who have left if you didn’t do it at the end of last year.
Ensure visitor parking areas are clearly marked and separated from pupil drop-off zones.
Confirm visitor management systems are working and staff are trained to use them.
Consider time-stamped entry logs to support safeguarding and attendance reporting.

CCTV & Surveillance

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Inspect security cameras for damage, obstruction, or poor coverage.
Clean lenses for clear recording.
Test storage systems to confirm footage is captured and retrievable.
Check the date and time on the recordings is accurate.
Ensure GDPR-compliant signage is visible at all entrances.
Confirm only authorised staff can access live and recorded footage if needed.

Time & Attendance

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Verify staff sign-in/out systems are accurate and GDPR compliant.
Review student attendance systems if required and ensure secure integration with MIS.
Ensure reporting supports payroll, absence management, and safeguarding checks.
Test that attendance/ ratios data is backed up and accessible for Ofsted inspections.

Lone Working Protection

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Identify staff who regularly work alone (caretakers, cleaners, site staff).
Confirm personal safety alarms or lone worker devices are issued and tested.
Review procedures for after-hours staff working in classrooms or offices.
Ensure monitoring contracts and escalation protocols are in place.

Safeguarding & Visitor Management

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Ensure visitor badges and sign-in processes are working correctly.
Review staff safeguarding training and awareness of “Keeping Children Safe in Education”.
Confirm DBS checks are up to date for staff and regular contractors.
Train staff on procedures for reporting suspicious behaviour or unauthorised visitors.

Classroom & Internal Security

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Test locks on classrooms, staff rooms, and storage areas for proper operation.
Check that windows lock securely and restrictors are fitted where necessary.
Ensure ICT suites, server rooms, and confidential file storage areas have restricted access.
Confirm first aid and emergency equipment is stocked and accessible.

Fire & Emergency Preparedness

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Inspect and test fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
Review fire evacuation plans and update classroom signage if needed.
Schedule fire drills for the first half-term.
Test intruder alarms and ensure monitoring contracts are active.
Check lockdown/ evacuation procedures are still fit for purpose – does your access control system support the two scenarios.

Cybersecurity

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Update passwords for staff accounts and restrict access where necessary.
Ensure Wi-Fi networks are secure and separated for staff, pupils, and visitors.
Confirm antivirus and firewall protections are updated.
Provide refresher training on phishing awareness and safe data handling.

Playgrounds, Sports & External Areas

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Inspect playground equipment for wear, damage, or safety risks.
Check fencing around playgrounds and sports fields is secure.
Ensure external storage units, sheds, and PE stores are locked.
Review supervision policies for before/after school clubs.

Staff Awareness & Training

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Run refresher briefings on safeguarding, emergency procedures, and security awareness.
Ensure staff know how to report maintenance or security concerns.
Review lone working procedures for site staff, cleaners, or caretakers.
Confirm all staff have up-to-date safeguarding and first aid training.

Policy & Documentation Review

Rows	DONE	TO DO	ACTION REQUIRED / NOTES
Update the school security policy and ensure staff know where to access it.
Review safeguarding and child protection policies.
Ensure GDPR and data protection documents are current and signed off.
Check that risk assessments for site safety are reviewed and recorded.

School Name

Your Name

First NameLast Name

Email address to receive a copy of your checklist

example@example.com

Checklist Date Completed