To create a secure environment for our children

Hazlemere Church of England school is a local, voluntary aided, primary school in Buckinghamshire.  Our wonderful school has recently suffered two separate, mindless attacks. During the summer break vandals smashed a number of our windows and caused havoc to our swimming pool. More recently, thieves broke into the school and stole 30+ laptops that our children use for their education.

We are pleased to say that our insurance will cover the replacement of all the windows and the laptops on a like for like basis. This, in itself, is excellent news, but both incidents have left many of our children with genuine concerns for the safety of the school and themselves. Arguably, this is the worst outcome from both incidents and is incredibly distressing for everyone connected to the school. Children have an unequivocal right to feel safe and secure at school.

Our previous windows were single-paned and far too easy to destroy, so we are looking to fundraise to replace the windows with double-glazed, reinforced glass.  The difference in cost between the two is £5,000.

At the same time, we would also like to improve our current overall security provision for which we must also fundraise. We would like to install CCTV that monitors the entirety of the school, acting as a deterrent to any would-be burglar in the future. This security would also have the meaningful benefit of rebuilding confidence with our children; knowing that they are safe and secure.  The cost to install CCTV and security measures to achieve this is £8,000.

We feel that if we can implement both these measures it will enhance our security. In due course, we may also look to fundraise to support the installation of a higher fence surrounding the perimeter of the school to further enhance security, but we feel that the replacement windows and improved security are more important now.

The governing board, the school leadership team, the teachers and the Friends (our PTA) at the school would like to state that we do not ask for your support lightly, but we have been overwhelmed by the offers of support we have received after both incidents so feel we are able to follow up on these kind offers.

Any amount you can give will be so very gratefully received.  Thank you in advance for any contribution you make, it means so much to everyone connected with the school.