Martyn’s Law: How Schools Can Prepare and Strengthen Communication
When the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, comes into force, schools and academies will take on new legal duties to improve preparedness for potential terrorist incidents. While the idea may sound daunting, the law isn’t about expensive infrastructure or major security overhauls. It’s about readiness, communication, and keeping people safe.
What Martyn’s Law Means for Schools
Martyn’s Law introduces new requirements for public premises, including schools, to ensure they have robust procedures in place to protect staff, pupils, and visitors in the unlikely event of an attack.
Schools will need to:
- Nominate a responsible person for security preparedness.
- Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of their premises and responsibilities.
- Develop and demonstrate plans for evacuation, lockdown, and emergency communication.
The Act applies on two levels:
- Standard Tier: For premises with capacities between 100–799 people (most primary schools).
- Enhanced Tier: For sites with 800+ capacity (typically secondary schools and larger MAT campuses).
The focus for both tiers is on planning, communication, and staff awareness, ensuring everyone knows what to do and how to stay informed in a crisis.
Speak to us for more information. 01133 222 333 #1.
Preparing for Compliance
Many schools already have safeguarding and emergency procedures in place, but Martyn’s Law adds a new layer of accountability. Schools should start preparing by:
to identify potential vulnerabilities.
for lockdown and evacuation scenarios.
on roles and responsibilities during an incident.
through regular drills – already a key part of KCSiE compliance.
Communication When Seconds Count
In any emergency, the ability to communicate clearly and instantly can make all the difference. That’s why Schools Broadband’s My School Phone system is designed to do more than connect calls, it helps keep your school community safe.
My School Phone includes features purpose-built for safeguarding and emergency communication:
Instantly broadcast messages to all phones or selected groups. Ideal for lockdowns, evacuations, or urgent staff communications.
Activate a loud, distinct alarm directly from a handset or desktop app to alert staff and students across the school.
Play pre-recorded announcements or send pop-up messages to staff devices when silent communication is required.
Set up anonymous lines for pupils to report safeguarding concerns such as bullying or mental health issues.
Ensure important conversations are logged, and sensitive safeguarding discussions remain private and protected.
Built for Schools, Backed by Safeguarding
Unlike generic VoIP systems, My School Phone was created specifically for education. It complements Schools Broadband’s wider suite of safeguarding tools, including web filtering, monitoring, and incident management – and comes as part of our standard service, at no additional cost.
By integrating your phone system into your school’s emergency planning, you can create a joined-up approach to safeguarding, health and safety, and business continuity, while meeting your legal duties under Martyn’s Law.
A Simple Checklist for Readiness
- Assign a responsible person for Martyn’s Law planning
- Update your emergency and evacuation procedures
- Review how you’ll communicate alerts and updates in real time
- Test your systems and staff understanding through regular drills
- Talk to Schools Broadband about integrating My School Phone into your plan
For more information on “My School Phone” please get in touch.
Be Ready, Be Connected, Be Protected
Preparation and clear communication save lives. With My School Phone, your school can take practical steps to meet Martyn’s Law requirements, simply and affordably, while strengthening everyday safeguarding and supporting wider safeguarding compliance, from KCSiE and Prevent Duty to Ofsted inspections.
Discover how Schools Broadband can help your school prepare for Martyn’s Law.
Learn more about My School Phone
Contact us today for more information
Call: 01133 222 333 #1. Email: info@schoolsbroadband.co.uk