New resources aimed at addressing incidents involving weapons in schools across Wales are currently being developed. This initiative follows an action from the National Behaviour Summit held in 2025, which emphasized the need for a consistent approach to managing such incidents in educational settings. The programme, led by Cardiff Council, aims to provide clear and practical guidance for schools throughout Wales, enhancing the safety of students and staff.
The resources will build on the existing framework launched by Cardiff Council in autumn 2025. This framework aims to offer straightforward advice to schools on how to effectively handle situations where students may bring weapons onto school premises or are suspected of possessing them. Collaborative efforts will involve local authorities and various partners to ensure that best practices and the latest evidence are integrated into the guidelines.
Engagement with young people, families, and communities will be a crucial part of this development process. The initiative is based on the principles of the Weapons in Schools and Educational Settings (WISES) protocol. The working group will create adaptable resources that can serve as a guide for schools and local authorities across Wales.
These new resources will complement the Welsh Government’s existing guidelines on safe interventions, which include the appropriate use of reasonable force and procedures for searching students suspected of carrying weapons. The objective is to promote a robust, consistent, and trauma-informed approach that not only ensures legal compliance but also provides essential support for all students and staff.
The Cardiff Council WISES guidance was co-produced with input from various stakeholders, including South Wales Police, educational governors, trade unions, youth services, and violence prevention experts. The collaborative effort also involved consultations with children and young people to ensure their voices were heard.
Cllr Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “The news that Welsh Government has chosen to adopt Cardiff’s guidance as the basis for a national roll-out is incredibly positive.” She highlighted that this endorsement reflects the successful collaboration with schools and communities, helping to maintain safety for young people and school staff.
She added, “The guidance has been recognised as national best practice – winning at the Wales Safer Communities Awards – and its adoption across Wales means even more schools will benefit from a clear, consistent and supportive approach.”
In support of this initiative, Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, emphasized the right of all learners, teachers, and school staff to a respectful and safe environment. She noted that the national guidance clearly states that schools in Wales can screen any pupil suspected of carrying a weapon.
Neagle further explained that the rollout of an all-Wales protocol builds on the successful initiatives already implemented in Cardiff. “This work will be supported by up to £300,000 in funding over the next 12 months, with a view to making the resources fully available across Wales by 2027,” she stated. The funding aims to facilitate close collaboration between schools, families, and other services to ensure appropriate support is provided while prioritizing safety.
Laura Doel, national secretary at the school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, acknowledged the importance of the initiative. She remarked, “Schools take their responsibility for ensuring the safety of all pupils and staff incredibly seriously, and weapons should have no place in our schools or wider communities.”
While recognizing that incidents involving weapons in schools are rare, Doel welcomed the clearer guidance and the consistent approach it promotes. However, she also stressed the need for a comprehensive response to the social issues that often lead to such incidents.
“Significantly more resources are also needed to tackle the root causes,” she noted, advocating for early intervention support for families and children. Doel called on the Welsh Government to invest in community support, including children’s social care and youth work, as well as in-school resources for pastoral care and preventative police programmes.
The development of these resources marks a significant step toward enhancing safety in educational settings across Wales, ensuring that all students can learn in a secure and supportive environment.
