The Welsh Government has announced a comprehensive initiative to address incidents involving weapons in schools across Wales. This initiative, stemming from the National Behaviour Summit in 2025, aims to establish a cohesive framework that builds upon existing guidelines introduced by Cardiff Council in autumn 2025.
Consistent Framework for Schools
Cardiff Council will spearhead the development of resources that provide practical advice for schools in handling situations where students are discovered with weapons or are suspected of carrying them. The initiative seeks to create a uniform approach that engages local authorities, educational partners, and communities throughout Wales. The working group will incorporate best practices and the latest evidence, ensuring that the voices of young people and families are taken into account.
The resources will be based on Cardiff’s Weapons in Schools and Education Settings (WISES) protocol. They are designed to guide schools and local authorities in implementing effective strategies while also adhering to the Welsh Government’s existing guidelines concerning safe and effective interventions, including the use of reasonable force and weapon searches. The emphasis will be on creating a fair, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes legal understanding and support for all staff and learners, including those found in possession of a weapon.
Endorsements and Funding
Cllr Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education at Cardiff Council, expressed enthusiasm about the Welsh Government adopting Cardiff’s guidelines for national implementation. “This is a significant endorsement of the work we have developed with schools, partners, and communities, and reflects the impact it is already having in helping to keep young people and school staff safe,” she stated. The guidance has already received recognition as national best practice, winning accolades at the Wales Safer Communities Awards.
Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, emphasized the importance of ensuring a respectful and safe environment for all learners and staff. She stated, “This further all Wales ‘Weapons in Schools and Educational Settings’ resources will provide more clarity for schools, learners, and families to ensure that schools are a safe place.” The Welsh Government has committed up to £300,000 in funding over the next year to support the rollout of these resources, with the goal of making them fully available by 2027.
Education leaders, including Laura Doel, national secretary at the school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, welcomed the initiative. She acknowledged that while incidents involving weapons in schools are rare, clearer guidance is essential. “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,” she remarked.
Doel pointed out that addressing the underlying social issues contributing to such incidents is crucial. “This is only one piece of the jigsaw. There needs to be recognition that schools are trying to deal with the symptoms of social issues often beyond their control, and that prevention is better than cure,” she added.
To effectively tackle the root causes of violence and ensure that families and children receive early help, the Welsh Government must consider investing in community support services, children’s social care, and preventative programs within schools.
This new initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing safety in educational settings throughout Wales, ultimately aiming to foster a supportive environment for all students and staff. As the framework develops, stakeholders across the education sector will continue to collaborate to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability to the needs of schools and communities.
