Council in guidance on searching for weapons

A COUNCIL has issued guidance to schools on how and when to search pupils for weapons.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor

Cardiff council said the guidance has been issued in response to calls from head teachers for advice and co-produced with South Wales Police, governors, trade unions, youth services, and violence prevention experts.

Searches will not be part of a daily school routine and would only happen when there's a genuine concern that a child may be carrying a weapon or something that could cause harm.

Cardiff's Weapons in Schools and Educational Settings Guidance “is aimed at keeping staff and young people safe” and has the backing of Welsh Government, the authority said.

It comes amid growing concern about violence in schools and warnings from teaching unions. The Chief Inspector for Education has also described and warned about violence in schools in a damning report.

The guidance, which parents have received letters about this week, says pupils may be searched “if staff have a reasonable suspicion that a young person is in possession of a weapon on the grounds of the school or educational setting”.

Searches would be carried out by two trained staff with scanners.

“If a search is needed it would be done safely, respectfully, and in private - never in front of other pupils - and always with two trained staff members present,” a document that’s been shared with parents says.

“In most cases a handheld scanner (or ‘wand’) will be used so your child won't be touched or physically searched. This approach is designed to protect everyone's dignity and wellbeing while making sure schools remain safe places to learn”