STUDENTS at a St Helier school have been unable to use parts of their playground because vandals keep breaking in and damaging equipment.
Sam Cooper, head teacher at d’Auvergne School, said that the ‘emotional wellbeing’ of pupils and staff was being negatively affected by the incidents.
Now, a planning application to erect a 2.4m-high fence around the perimeter of the school – in an attempt to prevent further vandalism – has been approved. The proposals also include the installation of a number of gates.
In a submission accompanying the application that was published on the planning section of the government’s website, Mr Cooper said the scheme would bring d’Auvergne’s facilities in line with similar safeguarding improvements that were being made at other Island schools.
‘The school has evidenced persistent concerns in relation to members of the public accessing their site throughout the school day, as well as out of hours, and continued vandalism is a common theme,’ he said.
‘This has an impact on the outdoor learning, play space and safety of d’Auvergne pupils, who are often restricted from accessing areas of the playground due to damage and health risks.’
He added that the installation of the fencing was a ‘high priority’ for the school.
‘On several occasions, school staff have asked members of the public to leave the school site and have been met with abusive and challenging behaviours. Fencing the property will provide d’Auvergne pupils and staff with the assurance that their safety and wellbeing is paramount,’ Mr Cooper said.
Samarès School has faced similar problems. Last year damage was done to their new basketball nets. The nets, which cost £499, had been in place for a short period and the incident temporarily stopped the school from setting up a basketball club.
The approved application for fencing at d’Auvergne comes with a condition that the school works with the government’s Natural Environment Team to provide ‘permeable fencing’ to help maintain free movement within the grounds for hedgehogs and other small mammals – particularly on the south of the site, which borders a cemetery.
