A SKIPTON primary school has applied for permission to increase safety for children and staff at its premises by putting up additional fencing.

Christ Church CoE Primary in Craven Street says while not specifically mentioned by Ofsted inspectors, 'various school advisors' have commented on the security of the site perimeter in general, and with 'greater emphasis made in reference to the eastern boundary.'

In a design and access statement to Craven District Council, the school says it wants to erect a three meter high security fence in front of an existing stone boundary wall, on the playground side to address a 'safeguarding issue'.

The fence will be finished in dark green to match the existing fencing, and matching gates will replace the existing timber and metal gates at the pedestrian and vehicle entrances.

The school states: "In the past 12 months the school has had numerous instances of unauthorised access into the grounds with access gained by climbing over the boundary wall. Unauthorised young people have been observed climbing onto the school roof and causing damage to property – police have been made aware.

"Safeguarding is treated as a high priority both in terms of keeping the pupils confined within the school to prevent unauthorised departure of pupils from the grounds and also in terms of preventing unwanted access by third parties."