Fears about security at a secondary school in north Cumbria have been raised by government inspectors.

Ullswater Community College (UCC) in Penrith is now stepping up measures to address concerns raised by Ofsted following a spot check by the regulator last month – but headteacher Nigel Pattinson says he will not adopt all suggestions.

He drafted in a local health and safety consultant who carried out a review of the Wetheriggs Lane site following the inspectors’ unannounced two-day visit during the second week of term.

Two complaints from parents relating to safeguarding triggered the unannounced Ofsted visit.

In findings published, Her Majesty’s Inspector Allan Torr said: “Safeguarding is effective but I have concerns regarding security of the school site.”

His letter added: “The main issue for improvement is security of the school’s site. Adults, staff, parents and other members of the public and pupils do not demonstrate a good level of vigilance regarding pupils’ safety on the site.

“It is too easy for delivery drivers, staff and members of the public to gain access to the grounds and to drive their vehicles into areas frequented by pupils and students.”

Inspectors did note that UCC leaders already mitigate risks by having closed circuit cameras and ensuring marshals patrol at the start and end of each day.

Headteacher Mr Pattinson said: “I’m happy about the inspection and the letter they’ve sent. With our site, it is a very open site with a right of way running through it.

“Therefore we naturally had and have difficulty in meeting the government requirements for health and safety on the site and we accept that. They’ve taken a view that we need to be doing more and we will act on that. I think some of what is suggested is reasonable and some is other worldly.”

He added: “They want a fence all the way around the school and that would cost around £250,000.”

Steps the school will be taking include:

  • Installing a computerised visitor system
  • Locking reception to prevent visitors or unauthorised people from accessing the area without gaining permission from staff
  • Installing keypads on the doors of classrooms next to the right of way
  • Putting a zebra crossing across the bus bay.