Video Script
Welcome back to our Martyn’s Law training course. Now that you understand what Martyn’s Law is and why it exists, let’s focus on what it means for your school specifically.
[SHOW SLIDE: Two Tiers of Requirements]
Martyn’s Law creates two levels of requirements. The Standard Tier applies to premises that regularly have 200-799 people on them. The Enhanced Tier applies to premises with 800 or more people.
Here’s something important to remember: ALL schools fall under the Standard Tier, regardless of how many pupils they have. This means even a small primary school with 100 pupils still needs to follow Standard Tier requirements.
[SHOW SLIDE: Why Schools Are Always Standard Tier]
You might wonder why a small school is treated the same as a larger one. The law recognises that schools have unique characteristics – they’re gathering places for children and young people, they host community events, and they’re often seen as symbols of local identity. This makes them potential targets regardless of size.
[CUT TO EXAMPLE: School Events]
The Act covers your main school buildings, but it also extends to school events. This includes sports days, evening performances, parent meetings, and community events held on school premises. If your school hires out facilities to external groups, those events are covered too.
[SHOW SLIDE: Proportionate Measures]
Now, don’t worry – the law recognises that schools are special places. The measures you need to take must be proportionate and suitable for a school environment. This means considering the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND requirements. A security measure that works in an office building might not be right for a school.
[SHOW SLIDE: Standard Tier Requirements]
For Standard Tier premises like schools, the main requirements are straightforward. You need to have procedures for responding to a terrorist attack, and you need to make sure staff know about these procedures. The focus is on practical, sensible preparations that fit with how schools already work.
In our next module, we’ll look at what these preparations actually involve and how they build on the safety procedures you already have in place.
Reading
The Two-Tier System
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 creates two levels of requirements:
Standard Tier (200-799 individuals)
- Basic preparedness procedures required
- Staff awareness and training
- Simple response plans
Enhanced Tier (800+ individuals)
- More detailed security assessments
- Additional physical security measures
- More comprehensive training requirements
Why All Schools Are Standard Tier
Regardless of pupil numbers, all schools fall under Standard Tier requirements. This recognises several key factors:
- Community significance: Schools are important community spaces that host various events throughout the year
- Vulnerable population: Children and young people require special protection considerations
- Symbolic importance: Schools represent community values and future generations
- Multiple uses: Many schools host evening classes, community groups, and public events
> Important: Even if your school has fewer than 200 pupils, you still need to comply with Standard Tier requirements.
What Premises and Events Are Covered?
The Act covers:
School Buildings
- Main teaching buildings
- Sports halls and gymnasiums
- Assembly halls
- Dining areas
- Any building regularly used by pupils or staff
School Events
- Sports days and outdoor events
- Evening performances and concerts
- Parent evenings and open days
- Community events held on school premises
- External hirings of school facilities
Proportionate Measures for Schools
The law requires measures to be proportionate and suitable for school environments. This means:
Considering Pupil Needs
- Age-appropriate procedures
- SEND requirements and individual needs
- Accessibility considerations
- Maintaining a positive learning environment
Building on Existing Systems
- Working with current safeguarding procedures
- Integrating with existing emergency plans
- Using established communication systems
- Enhancing current security measures
Practical Implementation
- Simple, clear procedures that staff can remember
- Regular but not disruptive training
- Measures that don’t interfere with education
- Solutions that work with limited budgets
> Evidence Note: Research shows that a layered security approach works best when aligned with clearly defined policies, staff roles, and training that integrates with existing school systems.
Key Differences from Other Settings
Schools have unique characteristics that influence how Martyn’s Law applies:
- Duty of care: Schools already have extensive safeguarding responsibilities
- Vulnerable users: Procedures must work for children, including those with additional needs
- Educational priority: Security measures cannot undermine the learning environment
- Community access: Many schools balance security with community use
- Resource constraints: Solutions must be practical and affordable
Understanding these requirements helps ensure your school meets its legal obligations while maintaining its primary educational purpose.
Activity
School Coverage Assessment
Time Required: 5 minutes
What You’ll Do: Create a simple list of areas and events at your school that would be covered by Martyn’s Law.
Instructions:
- Think about your school buildings (2 minutes)
- List the main areas where people regularly gather (classrooms, halls, dining areas, etc.)
- Include any buildings used for teaching or school activities
- Note any areas used by the wider community
- Consider school events (2 minutes)
- Think about regular events like sports days, concerts, or parent evenings
- Include any community events or external hirings
- Consider both daytime and evening activities
- Review your list (1 minute)
- Check if you’ve missed any significant areas or events
- Remember: if people regularly gather there for school activities, it’s likely covered
Expected Outcome: You’ll have a clear understanding of which parts of your school fall under Martyn’s Law requirements. This will help you think about where security procedures might need to apply.
Example Areas to Consider:
- Main teaching blocks
- Assembly hall
- Sports facilities
- Dining areas
- Reception areas
- Outdoor spaces used for events
- Car parks during events
Example Events to Consider:
- School productions
- Sports fixtures
- Community group meetings
- Adult education classes
- Fundraising events
- Open days