I taught in secondary schools in London for more than two decades, and from my experience if a child wants to bring a phone, a knife, or any banned item into school, they will find a way.
Of course, we all want our children to be safe and fulfil their potential. Schools should be places of learning, excitement, and aspiration.
In my time I have taken part in numerous searches of bags and possessions, when necessary, to ensure that children are safe and are not carrying banned items.
This is a huge disruption to the learning day, and it feels like a procedure that should be alien in schools.
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It conveys a lack of trust in the children and reinforces a ‘them and us’ culture.
Isn’t it more important to understand why children feel the need to carry a knife in the first place?
Almost one in five (18%) secondary school teachers in England have seen pupils with knives in school, according to a new special survey commissioned by Sky News.
Almost one in five teachers have seen students with knives in England’s schools, Sky News survey finds
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Almost half of parents of children with disabilities struggle to find a school that meets their child’s needs
Could we look at the causes as well as the symptoms to address this social issue?
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, in an interview with broadcaster LBC last week, said she would support schools that wished to use walk-through metal detectors, also known as knife arches.
But how would she support schools? And are the arches the answer?
Knife arches are expensive. A quick Google search found one priced at £2,400.
As a school leader, I have been in meetings where we discussed how to pay for paper and glue. How are schools supposed to afford knife arches, as budgets are completely stretched?
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What message does a knife arch at the school gate send to children?
It suggests that they are in imminent and constant danger.
Sadly, this is completely contrary to how schools want children to feel about school and their learning journeys.
