How prepared are education settings to prevent, respond to and recover from the security threats facing pupils, staff and the wider education community? 

Education settings remain among the safest places for children and young people, but schools, colleges and trusts are being asked to take a broader and more proactive approach to security. Updated Department for Education guidance now emphasises the need for education providers to maintain proportionate security policies and plans covering threats ranging from vandalism, arson and serious violence to terrorism, cyber-attacks and incidents involving weapons. 

Security is also increasingly connected to wider safeguarding responsibilities. The latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance reinforces the responsibility of all staff to contribute to safeguarding, while updated Prevent guidance places renewed emphasis on identifying and responding to learners who may be susceptible to radicalisation. 

At the same time, education providers must balance effective security with the need to maintain open, inclusive and welcoming environments. Managing access, visitors and contractors, protecting vulnerable learners, preparing for emergencies, developing effective lockdown and evacuation procedures, addressing serious violence and ensuring staff understand their responsibilities all require careful planning and collaboration. 

The Institute of Government and Public Policy is pleased to present the National Security in Education Conference and Exhibition, which will bring together education leaders, safeguarding professionals, security and estates specialists, local authorities, police, government and sector experts. 

Join the Institute of Government and Public Policy in London for the National Security in Education Conference and Exhibition, and explore how schools, colleges, trusts and other education providers can develop proportionate, practical and joined-up approaches to security, creating safer, more resilient education environments without compromising the openness and inclusivity of education.