The presentation was made at City Building’s Construction Skills Academy in Glasgow – where many of those responsible for building the safer schools were trained.
Secured by Design started in 1988 and operates in areas of high and low crime. It offers a holistic approach as planners and the police pool their expertise to build schools that are physically secure. Research has found the innovative initiative lowers crime rates.
The SBD award means that children and parents can feel safe in the knowledge their primary or nursery school is secure against the blight of break-ins and criminal damage. The service includes anti-graffiti, anti-climbing products as well as property marking.
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The nine primary and nursery schools all passed stringent security checks to gain their SBD awards. Designers also maximise security without diminishing a school’s aesthetic appeal.
Chief Constable Stephen House said: “Our schools are at the very heart of our communities. Every parent wants to know that their children are receiving the best possible education in the best possible environment. Schools that achieve the Secured by Design award are safer and more secure. This is a scheme that has my full backing.”
The schools have been built by City Building, which is one of Scotland’s largest construction companies. With the festive season around the corner, City Building also sponsored a £500 competition for the pupils to design a Christmas card to be used by the company this year.
City Building managing director Willie Docherty said: “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with these schools. Crime prevention is something we can implement across the community and we’re delighted to provide the skills and training to build these schools.”
Councillor Steven Curran added: “This is an example of people pulling together to improve the quality of lives for our children. These schools are an asset to their community. It is vital we make school a positive experience and this scheme ensures just that.”
(GK)
