Ensuring Safety: Essential Fire and Security Services for Multi Academy Trusts

steph9799
Jan 5
3 min read

Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) manage multiple schools under one organisation, creating unique challenges for fire and security management. Protecting students, staff, and property across several sites requires a coordinated, reliable approach. This post explores key fire and security services that MATs need to keep their schools safe and compliant with regulations.

Understanding the Fire Safety Needs of Multi Academy Trusts

Schools face strict fire safety regulations to protect occupants and property. For MATs, these rules apply across all their schools, making consistent fire safety management essential. Key fire safety services include:

Fire risk assessments: Regular inspections identify hazards and recommend improvements.
Fire alarm systems: Reliable detection and alert systems ensure early warning.
Emergency lighting: Illuminates escape routes during power failures or smoke conditions.
Fire extinguisher maintenance: Ensures equipment is ready to use in an emergency.
Staff training: Equips teachers and support staff with knowledge on fire procedures.

MATs benefit from centralising these services to maintain uniform safety standards and simplify compliance reporting. For example, a trust with five schools can schedule simultaneous fire alarm tests and training sessions, reducing disruption and ensuring all sites meet legal requirements.

Security Challenges Across Multiple School Sites

Security in schools protects students and staff from threats such as intruders, vandalism, and theft. MATs face the challenge of securing multiple locations with varying layouts and risk profiles. Essential security services include:

Access control systems: Electronic locks and ID cards restrict entry to authorised personnel.
CCTV surveillance: Cameras monitor entrances, playgrounds, and corridors to deter and record incidents.
Intruder alarms: Alert staff and authorities to unauthorised access outside school hours.
Perimeter security: Fencing, gates, and lighting reduce vulnerability around school grounds.
Visitor management: Systems to log and monitor visitors enhance safety and accountability.

Central management platforms allow MATs to monitor security systems remotely, receive alerts, and coordinate responses quickly. For instance, if an intruder alarm triggers at one school, the trust’s security team can verify CCTV footage and notify local police without delay.

High angle view of a school playground with CCTV cameras mounted on poles — CCTV cameras overlooking school playground and entrances

Coordinating Fire and Security Services for Efficiency

MATs can improve safety and reduce costs by integrating fire and security services. Combined systems share infrastructure such as wiring and control panels, simplifying maintenance and upgrades. Benefits include:

Centralised monitoring: One control room or software platform to oversee alarms, cameras, and access points.
Faster incident response: Coordinated alerts help staff act quickly during emergencies.
Consistent standards: Uniform policies and equipment across all schools.
Simplified training: Staff learn one system rather than multiple separate ones.
Cost savings: Bundled contracts and shared resources reduce expenses.

A trust with ten schools might install a single monitoring centre staffed 24/7 to watch over all sites. This setup allows immediate action if a fire alarm sounds or a security breach occurs anywhere in the network.

Practical Steps for MATs to Enhance Fire and Security

To build a strong safety framework, MATs should:

Conduct a thorough audit of existing fire and security systems across all schools.
Develop a trust-wide safety policy covering fire drills, lockdown procedures, and equipment maintenance.
Choose service providers experienced with multi-site education clients.
Schedule regular training sessions for staff on emergency protocols.
Invest in technology that supports remote monitoring and reporting.
Review and update safety measures annually or after any incident.

For example, a MAT might partner with a specialist company to install integrated fire and security systems, then hold quarterly training workshops for teachers and support staff. This approach ensures everyone knows how to respond and that equipment functions properly.