Security at schools - am I being a fusspot?

Dorian · Post by **Dorian** » Fri, 01 Feb 2008 8:49 pm

I find the security pretty lax at the school my children attend.

There is a security man and we have a pass to show him. I have never shown it, he has never asked for it and sometimes he isn't there and we just go in. He does know my face when he sees me.

We had a playdate the other day and I just came out with the child (obviously her parents knew) but the teacher wasn't even aware. There is a sign in/out book but this isn't filled in and not enforced or even looked at by anyone as far as I can tell. A token thing.

Also although I am impressed with the school overall (but it is still early days) I find that one child's teacher doesn't give the impression she is remotely interested in my child or her job really. Although seemingly competent she seems very disengaged and looks thrilled when the day is over. She hasn't said anything to me about my child really as yet, even in passing.

The other teacher (my other childs) seems the polar opposite.

In Europe and the UK where we have lived previously there has been a strict security system and anyone taking another child on a playdate would have to had informed the teacher at the least. Also you would get a small amount of daily feedback on your child.

It seems much more laidback here to say the least. I know it is a safe country but it feels anyone could wander in and that concerns me. Am I worrying for nothing?

durain · Post by **durain** » Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:01 pm

now, that's a bit worrying!

not sure if you can "name and shame" the school, so maybe give some hints?

Dorian · Post by **Dorian** » Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:30 pm

I'd rather not name and shame (it actually seems to be a decent school too).

Just wanted to see if this was 'normal' for Singapore, apparently not from what you've said.

Thanks for the reply.

durain · Post by **durain** » Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:33 pm

TAJ · Post by **TAJ** » Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:05 am

I've just read your post and it sounds a bit worrying. I have 2 boys at Tanglin Trust school, and their security is very strict, with forms to complete for everything. I have confidence that the teacher would not allow the children to go with even another class mum without the correct prior approval. If you have a concern, voice it - please don't wait for the unspoken to happen first!

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:46 am

Is it the pre-school that you had previously secured a place for your 3 year old? I won't give names either. But if your answer is yes others can find out easily enough with a little common sense on this board.

durain · Post by **durain** » Sat, 02 Feb 2008 2:08 am

phew... my kids not in the school dorian mentioned

Dorian · Post by **Dorian** » Sat, 02 Feb 2008 4:46 pm

sundaymorningstaple wrote:Is it the pre-school that you had previously secured a place for your 3 year old? I won't give names either. But if your answer is yes others can find out easily enough with a little common sense on this board.

I have more than one pre-schooler (over run with the nippers)!
I had worked that out also but thanks

Thaiclan · Post by **Thaiclan** » Sun, 03 Feb 2008 9:53 pm

The largest part of your child's experience is whether they have a good teacher or not. A poorly equipped school can be the BEST school for a child if they have a great teacher. Don't take it lightly, speak up and get an enthused teacher for your child!
Also security is usually (and expected) to be tight both with taking other peoples children home and also at the security gate. Again don't be a wallflower, go in and be heard! You have to be the voice your child doesn't yet have.
Good luck.xx

cbavasi · Post by **cbavasi** » Mon, 04 Feb 2008 7:31 am

sundaymorningstaple wrote:Is it the pre-school that you had previously secured a place for your 3 year old? I won't give names either. But if your answer is yes others can find out easily enough with a little common sense on this board.

I went through past posts and can't figure it out. It couldn't be Eton House on Orchard b/c my son goes there and we don't show passes.

durain · Post by **durain** » Mon, 04 Feb 2008 9:16 am

this is turning into a riddle

cbavasi · Post by **cbavasi** » Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:00 am

I haven't really thought about the security so much... I think I was really concerned about it in Jakarta and then coming here it's so much safer that it wasn't really on the radar.

Dorian · Post by **Dorian** » Mon, 04 Feb 2008 8:32 pm

cbavasi wrote:I haven't really thought about the security so much... I think I was really concerned about it in Jakarta and then coming here it's so much safer that it wasn't really on the radar.

My husband has also told me not to worry re: security. I think having been in Europe where it is so tight (especially in the light of the Madeline McCann case etc) you notice it.

I am uncomfortable (for example) about loading in my children to a taxi first while I deal with pushchairs/shopping etc for the boot. Most locals etc wouldn't think twice.

TAJ · Post by **TAJ** » Mon, 04 Feb 2008 8:43 pm

If you are uncomfortable, then you should act on your instincts regardless of what the locals or anyone else would do! I have friends who would happily send their children off alone in a taxi to a playdate or club. I wouldn't and would rather do the extra journey myself to accompany them. Doesn't mean I am paranoid, just going with what gives me peace of mind. I recall a recent post by a lady who was really miffed that her designer pushchair went missing from outside a shop - we should all be aware of our surroundings, and when the safety of our children is under consideration it doesn't hurt to think about the 'what-if's'. Follow your heart!

Forks · Post by **Forks** » Sun, 10 Feb 2008 9:49 pm

While my kids school doesn't check me or my kids at the gate, it knows who is picking up my kids.

Im not worried about terrorists storming the school, but I am as concerned about pedophiles as much as I have been anywhere, But if I dont get the kids then its the maid and I trust her implicitly or she wouldn't be working for me.

So I dont really worry about school security.

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Security at schools - am I being a fusspot?

Security at schools - am I being a fusspot?

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