A city primary academy has ensured the safety and security of pupils and staff with the modern school perimeter security.

Shireland Hall Primary Academy in Smethwick, Sandwell, situated three miles from Birmingham city centre, specified 250 metres of 2.1m-high HiSec V-Beam fencing around the perimeter of the school, on the corner of Montague Road and Edith Road.

Zaun added one of the V-Beams to the top of the panels to add rigidity to the perimeter fence and ensure panels do not bow, following discussions with the architect and Birmingham fencing contractor Park Lane Fencing.

In addition, 125 metres of Wolverhampton manufacturer Zaun's Duo6 panels have been installed by fencing contractor Park Lane.

The primary academy is 'committed to learning together for today and tomorrow' and cites inspirational quotations from the likes of Socrates, Oprah Winfrey, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela on its website.

Vice Principal Fiona Wilkes said: "As part of the Elliot Foundation we are committed to working with children, families and the local community supporting children to be successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens."

"So it is brilliant to have a learning environment that feels so safe and secure without it looking like a fortress and we are grateful to Park Lane Fencing and Zaun for making it possible."

The safety and security of pupils and staff has always featured high on the list of priorities for schools. Sadly, random acts of wanton violence and sometimes retribution and an ever more stringent legal responsibility mean safeguarding has become of paramount importance.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act of 2006 made it law to protect children and other vulnerable adults from risk of harm by preventing those individuals who are deemed unsuitable from gaining access to them through their work.

A Gloucestershire Police briefing note says: "In order to teach and to learn, staff and pupils must feel safe and secure."

It says efficient physical security can be designed in at the beginning. And its first recommendation is to provide a substantial secure boundary and limit access points for vehicles and pedestrians.