§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about physical security at(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [134937]
§ Jacqui SmithDfEE has issued guidance on "Improving School Security" and also makes available a school security grant for local education authorities to allocate on the basis of risk assessments at individual schools. The total amount available, with the assistance of the Government grant (at 75 per cent.), is £22 million a year. The grant is allocated by formula. The grant is to supplement existing expenditure by local education authorities and schools on school security measures. It is for local education authorities to determine local priorities of use of their grant allocation, including distribution to schools and training needs. All maintained schools, including Pupil Referral Units and nursery schools, are eligible to receive funding from the grant. The grant may be used on physical measures to improve the security of school premises and on security related training for staff and governors.