Jacqui Smith Announces ‘The Tackling Violence Action Plan’

Commenting on the Government’s plans, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers Europe’s largest teaching union, said:

"The decision on whether or not there are specific or additional search mechanisms in schools for guns or knives must rest with the individual headteacher, in consultation with the governing bodies, teachers and parents. Thankfully only a very small number of schools will be involved in considering this option.
 
"If a decision is taken as an extension of the school's security policy, then the school needs full support and backing. This would include the availability of resources and the necessary additional personnel.
 
"All children need to feel safe at school. It must be every school community's judgement and determination to take the steps needed to keep them safe. This has to be balanced with a need to maintain openness and access for those who use the school. Such a judgement can only be made by schools themselves.”