Recent reports have highlighted drones flying over school sites during break times and outdoor activities. Not all drones operating near schools are doing so unlawfully. However, where a drone is causing concern, creating a distraction, being flown unsafely, or appears to be targeting the school site, appropriate action should be taken.
Educational drone activity
Somerset Schools may use drones for activities such as engineering or STEM subjects. They must ensure that:
- Appropriate risk assessments are completed.
- Appropriate flying areas are identified and controlled to keep pupils, staff and other persons not involved in the activity at a safe distance.
- Practical activities are supervised by competent staff.
- Pre-flight checks are undertaken.
- Maintenance records are kept.
Public Events
If drone use is planned, special measures should be taken to notify attendees and ensure appropriate safety arrangements are in place:
- Spectators remain a safe distance from the designated flying area.
- Where external operators are engaged, schools should obtain evidence of competence, relevant permissions and appropriate insurance cover.
What should you do if a drone is causing concern over your school site?
Remain calm and supervise pupils closely. Consider moving pupils indoors if the drone is flying low, hovering overhead or causing concern. Do not attempt to interfere with or bring down the drone.
Contact your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) if:
- There are concerns that a drone is being used to observe, record or otherwise target children.
- Footage has appeared on social media.
- You believe there may be a data protection concern.
Relevant safeguarding procedures should then be followed. The DSL should consider whether the incident needs to be managed under the school’s safeguarding procedures and whether a report to the Police is required.
Contact the Police if:
- The drone is being flown dangerously or recklessly.
- You have safeguarding concerns.
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The drone appears to be deliberately following, observing or recording children or staff in a manner that raises safeguarding concerns.
- The drone crashes onto your site.
Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to safety. Otherwise, report via 101. Schools should not attempt to identify, challenge or confront a drone operator themselves unless it can be done safely. Where possible, record the date, time, location, drone description, and any available photographs to support any subsequent investigation.
Record the incident on EEC if:
A significant near miss, safety incident, safeguarding concern or substantial operational disruption occurs.
Further Guidance:
CCTV – Guidance For Schools And Educational Settings – Info Sheet 54
HS03 Reporting of H&S Incidents
