Outraged parents are criticizing a school for employing scanners to inspect their children as they enter classes. The Valley Leadership Academy, located in Bacup near Manchester, has initiated random scans of students during school entry to detect ‘harmful items such as vapes.’ Although pupils were informed that the scan also screens for phones, the school in Lancashire refutes this claim, stating that ‘phones are handled separately.’
A mother recounted how her 11-year-old son, who had recently started Year 7, came home distressed after being singled out when the keys in his bag triggered the scanner. She expressed surprise, mentioning that during the pre-school open evening, there was no mention of scanning devices, only the option for students to surrender their phones for safekeeping. The incident left her son feeling embarrassed and upset, with the school failing to communicate this practice to parents effectively.
The concerned mother stated that while she would understand if the school was searching for weapons, she believes that parents should be informed beforehand. She expressed feeling that the scanning procedure invades privacy and is too intrusive, particularly without prior parental notification. She emphasized that if the purpose was to detect weapons or knives, she would be supportive, but without clarity from the school, she and other parents were taken aback by the situation.
Another parent echoed similar sentiments, expressing unease with the policy and emphasizing that it could be overwhelming for new students who are already feeling anxious about starting at the school.
In response, a spokesperson from the school, operated by Star Academies multi-academy trust, emphasized that pupil safety and well-being are paramount. The school utilizes hand-held screening wands at the entrance to identify harmful items like vapes, which are increasingly prevalent and pose health risks to young individuals. These checks, implemented since last year, are conducted randomly and with compassion by trained staff. The school plans to inform all parents soon to elucidate the process and provide reassurance.
Regarding mobile phones, the school has invested in lockers to foster a device-free learning setting, aiming to help students concentrate and excel without distractions. Recognizing the safeguarding concerns related to mobile phones, the school’s approach reflects its commitment to establishing a peaceful and secure educational environment for all students.