Staff who handle cash are potential targets for robbery even though the sums of money in schools may be relatively modest.
Schools are advised to utilise the council's cash collection service, however, if schools wish to make their own arrangements for transporting cash, then procedures should be in line with the LEA guidelines (see copy attached appendix B).
A summary of the advice is given below.
- Cash should be kept in a safe place i.e. a safe or secure cabinet.
- Cash handling / counting should be carried out in a secure room which is out of sight from visitors.
- Staff going to the bank should be issued with a personal attack alarm or preferably have access to a phone.
- Trips to the bank should be made in a car and vehicles should be insured for business use.
- Avoid using a bag which attracts attention i.e. cloth bank bags.
- Where visits to the bank are made ensure the time and day of visits is varied. Avoid cash accumulating on the premises even if school has access to a safe.
- Ensure that cash is collected regularly by the nominated security service or banked on a regular basis.
- In the event of a robbery staff should not expose themselves to danger by trying to protect cash and should not offer resistance if there is a possibility that they will be subjected to violence.
Help and support
For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff (029 2046 5000), Belfast (028 9078 2020) or Edinburgh (0131 272 2748) offices or email info@atl.org.uk
For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).
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