Schools given powers to search for knives

Teachers have been given the right to search pupils for knives and offensive weapons, under new guidance announced by the government.

The new power, which comes into force today, is being introduced alongside the ability for schools to screen pupils for violent weapons by the use of devices such as arches and 'wand' metal detectors.

The guidance says that screening and searching can be carried out by professional trained security staff, as well as teachers, but says that the police should be called if there was felt to be any risk to safety.

Head teachers are also given advice on how to screen pupils, suggesting that randomly selected groups of pupils, such as a class, could be screened in order to send a strong deterrent message.

The guidance also says that two members of staff should be present during a search and that both should have received appropriate training.

It also says that the search should be undertaken by a staff member of the same sex as the pupil and that the search should take place out of public view, if possible.

Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The main way to keep knives out of our schools is to continue educating young people about the dangers associated with illegally carrying a knife. But one violent crime caused by a weapon is one too many.

"This new power was called for by teachers, but our guidance makes clear that a search should never take place where there is any risk to staff or pupils. In those circumstances the police should be called.

"Schools can also use metal detector arches and wands to screen pupils for knives where the head feels this is helpful and would work as a deterrent. I think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

"Screening, alongside today's new power for searches, means that schools now have the law behind them so they can take the necessary action to prevent weapons from coming through the front gate."

However, the National Association of Head Teachers expressed concerns about the proposals. A statement issued by NAHT said: "We believe strongly that it is the job of the police to search individuals for weapons. They are trained and have the appropriate body armour. Our advice to our members will be to call for police assistance should they suspect that a weapon is being carried."

(KMcA/SP)