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| Policy on offensive weapons |
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BATTERSEA PARK SCHOOL “Building a Community where Learning is for Everyone”
POLICY ON OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
BACKGROUND
o DCSF Guidance on Exclusions ‘Improving Behaviour and Attendance’ issued in September 2006 states:
‘There will, however, be exceptional circumstances where, in the Headteacher’s judgement, it is appropriate to permanently exclude a child for a first or “one off” offence. These might include:
i) Serious actual or threatened violence against another student or a member of staff;
ii) Sexual abuse or assault; (Wandsworth Council Safeguarding procedures would apply here).
iii) Supplying an illegal drug; or
iv) Carrying an offensive weapon.
Schools should consider whether or not to inform the Police where such a criminal offence has taken place. They should also consider whether or not to inform other agencies, e.g. Youth Offending Teams, social workers, etc.
In cases where a Headteacher has permanently excluded a student for:
i) One of the above offences; …………………
The Secretary of State would not normally expect the Governing Body or an Independent Appeal Panel to reinstate the student’.
o Offensive weapons are defined in the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 as “any article made or adapted for causing injury to the person; or intended by the person having it with him for such use by him.” Sections 139 and 139A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 refer to “any article which as a blade or point or is sharply pointed, except a folding pocket knife”. A folding pocket knife is one which has a cutting edge of no more than three inches in length, and which must be readily foldable at all times. The exception for folding pocket knives does not of course prevent schools from imposing their own bans on students carrying such weapons. There are three categories of offensive weapons:-
“Made” – could include a dagger, knife, gun or firework;
“Adapted” - could include a broken bottle;
“Intended” - for such use could include a rock or stone.
o If a student is suspected of having an offensive weapon on them they will by subject to being searched by a trained member of staff or the Police.
o Schools will work closely with the Police and other agencies in relation to prevention, deterrents and follow up to searches and incidents involving offensive weapons. There is an exception that where a crime has been committed schools will involve the Police.
o Students who bring articles into School that are considered to be offensive weapons will, except under exceptional circumstances, be permanently excluded.
June 2009
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