School Safety Assurance International (SSAI) offers a voluntary assessment, ratings and certification program – an AI enabled SaaS Platform aimed at enhancing health, safety, and security within educational institutions, spanning from primary schools to universities. This initiative is based on the ACCAB's Safe School Standard SS 10000, recognized and copyrighted by the Indian Copyright Office under the Government of India. Participating schools are encouraged to implement specific health, safety, and security measures outlined in the SS 10000 Standard and the Criteria therein. The primary objective of this program is to institutionalize robust safety systems and cultivate a culture of safety within schools, ensuring comprehensive protection for all stakeholders.
The School Safety Trust Mark is a straightforward yet impactful independent scheme aimed at promoting systematic School Self Evaluation (SSE) aligned with a school-based safety management system. This approach is complemented by External Assessor Review (EAR), facilitating continuous improvement and enhancing accountability in school safety and security practices.
Designed to guide schools in systematically reviewing their safety priorities and the effectiveness of implemented measures, the School Safety Trust Mark comprises Fifteen Aspects.
1. School Leadership and Management
2. Policies
3. Human Resources
4. Staff & Student Training And Awareness
5. Safety, Hygiene and Maintenance
6. Physical Environment
7. Building Access
8. Visitors and Staff Entrance Management
9. Monitoring And Surveillance
10. Communications
11. General Exterior
12. General Interior
13. Playground/Recreation areas
14. Cafeteria / Gymnasium Area(S)/ Specialized Area(S)
15. School Transport and Parking
Scores for the School Safety Trust Mark are determined based on the maturity of these elements, reflecting the school's commitment to safety and its operational readiness. SSAI emphasizes that the effectiveness of the Trust Mark hinges on aligning standards, systems, and technology with behavioural and cultural factors unique to each school environment.
The School Safety Trust Mark is particularly relevant for schools that meet specific criteria related to management systems, technology deployment, and community involvement.
Participation in the SSAI School Safety Trust Mark entails a paid service, offering institutions a comprehensive assessment of their safety and security frameworks based on evidence and data, aimed at continuous improvement and ensuring a safe learning environment for all stakeholders involved.