Improving Safety at The Marlborough Centre with New Perimeter Security

The Marlborough Centre is a special school for children aged 3 to 11 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). It is located on the same site as The Hundred of Hoo Academy. While the school had good security inside the building, the outside area was not secure. This put pupils and staff at risk.

The Problem: Unsafe Outdoor Areas

After the main gate, there were no barriers to stop vehicles or people from entering the car park or playground. This was a big safety concern because some pupils might try to run away from the school. To keep pupils safe, staff had to watch the car park closely and only let one car in at a time during busy times.

The playing fields were also unsafe. They were next to woods and public footpaths, and the fences were broken or missing. This meant children could leave the field easily, so staff had to watch them very carefully when moving between the school and the fields.

What the School Did

The Marlborough Centre aske us to check the whole site and suggest ways to improve safety. The main goal was to make the whole area secure, stop unauthorised access, and keep pupils safe while allowing them to use outdoor spaces.

What We Did

• New Fencing: Over 365 metres of strong green wire fencing, 2 metres high, was put up around the site. This replaced old, broken fences and extended around the playing fields and paths. The fencing looks good but keeps the site safe.

  
  

• New Gates: Automatic double gates were installed at the car park entrance. These work with the school’s video intercom system, so staff at reception can see who wants to enter and control access. There is also a sensor so cars can leave without staff needing to open the gates. New pedestrian and maintenance gates were added to control access to other parts of the site.

  
  

• Safe Access to the Playing Field: Concrete steps were built into the grassy bank to create a safe, clear path from the school building to the playing fields. This makes it easier to supervise pupils moving outside.

  
  

Challenges Overcome

The playing field was very wet and soft because of winter rain, making it hard to use heavy machines without damaging the ground. The team planned carefully to reduce damage. After installing the fences and gates, they levelled the ground and re-seeded the grass to fix the area.

The team also made sure the new gates worked smoothly with the school’s existing security systems without causing problems during the school day.

The Result: A Safe Place for Pupils to Learn and Play

Before the work, the playing field was unsafe and not used. Now, with the new fencing and controlled gates, the whole site is secure. The playing fields can be used safely for the first time in a long while. Staff can focus on teaching and looking after pupils, knowing the site is protected.

Why Good Perimeter Security Is Important for Special Schools

Schools for children with special needs often face unique safety challenges. Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions may try to leave the school site, so strong perimeter security is very important. Good fencing and controlled access help keep children safe and let staff focus on learning and care.

If your school needs help improving its security, we can provide expert advice and solutions to protect your pupils and staff.

Want to ensure your organisation is properly prepared for all emergencies? Contact our expert team!