Written by Tertius Wolfaardt, Architecture and Engineering Manager at Axis Communications

Most students in the UAE started a new school year at the end of August, and the beginning of the academic year is the perfect time for school security personnel to ensure our schools are not only welcoming but also safe for all.

In Dubai, for example, the Executive Council Resolution states that private schools are responsible for the safety and protection of their students throughout the school day – whether they are on school premises, on buses, or at any student activity organised by the school outside of its premises. Schools, therefore, need to take all necessary measures, aided by the right technologies, to keep students and staff protected. And having a single point of entry is an essential place to start.

Maximise safety and efficiency with one point of entry
A single point of entry in schools allows visitors and parents to access screening, information, and potential entry to a school from one location. This location is usually a front door or main entrance that is easily seen and supervised to make it easier to control who can and cannot enter the building. This entry point should have signage outlining directions to a visitor management location where a staff member can sign visitors in.

There are many reasons why educational institutions should create a process for a single point of entry. Often, people who are not members of the school might need to enter the facility, such as parents, guests, or contractors. There may occasionally be unwanted intruders who might try to gain access to an institution. To make sure the right people are let in and kept out, schools should combine some form of gated entry with an audit trail to keep a record of who entered the school, for what purpose, and how long their stay was.

The visitor management process should start with a clearly marked main entrance where visitors are accepted and screened. All doors, including the main entrance, should always be locked until access is granted, with communication occurring through an intercom that can be accessed by the visitor from the main door.

It is important to train all staff on the visitor screening process so that they know who to allow access to. If a visitor is deemed to be someone who should have access, the intercom should be able to control the lock on the door, allowing that visitor entry and giving them directions to the main office.

Modern intercoms make it possible
An intercom that is clearly labelled and easy to use maintains accessibility and security. A single-button intercom for visitor sign-in enables quick and easy visitor screening. The intercom should also have a camera so the staff member can both hear and see the person they are speaking to.

There are many integrated network solutions that can support this process, and which can complement existing security systems. For instance, IP intercoms can be used or integrated as an access control system that combines video and audio communication. These intercoms can send recordings to an existing video management software system for record of the interaction in case this needs to be reviewed later.

Moving towards an IP-based solution allows for interoperability between other technologies used for secure access or screening. It also makes it possible to screen visitors from anywhere in the school. Staff can answer calls as well as screen visitors from many network devices including computers, IP phones, mobile devices, or dedicated answering units – rather than from only a single desk at the reception.

Enable proactive security
Schools require modern access control systems that can not only limit entry but also be used to proactively deal with potential security issues. For instance, modern IP-based access control systems can be configured to issue an alarm should a door be propped open.

When used in combination with embedded analytics on intercoms or video cameras installed near the entrances, school officials can be alerted to loitering or other suspicious activity. This empowers them to take a proactive approach to security, automating entry for those who should be there, and quickly responding to those who shouldn’t.

A safer learning environment
The support of the Dubai police’s Safety Ambassadors Council shows that school safety is of utmost importance to government and private and public education institutions alike. Every learner has the right to an environment that is safe and well-protected. With a single point of entry, a thorough visitor screening process, and a modern IP-based access control system, schools can ensure they create a learning environment that is safer, smarter, and more secure.