BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A senior Barbados education official says a national schools’ safety policy, expected to be rolled out from next term in September, will seek to address safety and security issues in schools across the island.
“The School Safety Policy is expected to generate a greater awareness among our stakeholders so that we clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each…[and] create that safe school environment,” said Deputy Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson.
She said that when completed, the policy will address four key pillars – safety, security, health, and ongoing maintenance.
“Safety is a full-time job and not a part-time practice,” she said, adding that the ministry was currently meeting with stakeholders, including the unions, principal associations, police, and the fire service to ensure that all areas were covered.
Mrs. Adamson noted that they wanted to engender a community approach to safety and further develop a culture of drills at the nursery, primary and secondary levels.
She said fire prevention in schools started with good fire safety awareness and education, and it was essential to continue educating staff and students about the fire hazard.
She also commended the Barbados Fire Service for extending the Fire Cadet Programme.
Mrs. Adamson said that schools have developed and implemented a School Safety Plan, which includes a Fire Safety Plan.
“These plans require the schools to conduct regular fire drills, have well-maintained fire alarm systems, and keep exits clear. The school’s Health and Safety Committee will renew these plans annually.
“School safety is the foundation of effective learning. Once students feel safe, they will learn, so we need to ensure that our schools are safe and that we have all the measures in place so we don’t have any fire-related hazards,” she added.
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