Two-Way Radios in Schools: A Game-Changer in Educational Communications

With the new academic year, comes the opportunity for educators to create and achieve a positive learning environment for staff and students! As the old saying goes ‘communication is the key to success’ especially when it comes to an educational setting.

Keep reading to explore how implementing a reliable two-way radio system in your school will increase productivity, improve staff and student safety and create a smooth educational experience on school grounds and school trips!

Communication Systems in Schools

Traditionally, schools have relied on technology like Public Announcement (PA) systems, telephones or emails to communicate between staff and departments. Yet, all these methods fall short of offering instant, reliable and secure two-way communication.

PA system only provides one-way communication, emails aren’t instant and telephones aren’t reliable where cell service is weak.

The Necessity for Two-Way Radios in Schools

Why, though, do two-way radios emerge as the clear winner when it comes to communication in schools?

• Instant communication: Radios provide real-time communication, immediately notifying staff of dangers or incidents.

• Offers More Security: Licenced two-way radios operate on private channels eliminating the risk of sensitive information being leaked

• Cost-Effective: Radios are a long-term, cost-effective solution, with minimal recurring charges (depending on what type of radio system you opt for)

• Durable and Reliable: They are robust, less susceptible to damage, and have a longer battery life than smartphones

 

Safety and Emergency Situations

Schools, unfortunately, are susceptible to emergencies, including natural disasters, security breaches, and health crises. Two-way radios offer a lifeline in these scenarios – quick communication, and quicker response times!

For example, in the event of a security breach on campus – two-way radios can be used to instantly notify staff to coordinate and action a plan ensuring all students are safe. Using earpieces with the radios provides discreet communication, allowing staff to communicate without the students becoming aware they are in danger. This is important because if the students were aware of the situation they may begin to panic which can quickly escalate to a chaotic situation making it more difficult for staff to control and contain.

Coordinating School Activities

Everyday activities from supervising playtime on the field to sports day or off-campus school trips require efficient coordination. Hand-portable two-way radio devices afford staff the ability to communicate instantly whilst on the move to ensure smooth operation and fun for all involved!

For example, organising the school sports day can feel like trying to juggle whilst walking on a tightrope – impossible! There is so much to be planned and monitored from crowd control to hospitality services to medical service – the list is never-ending.

Fluid communication between teams ensures everyone involved has a positive experience.

Cost Management

We know that schools are often operating with tight budget constraints. However, two-way radios require a lower initial investment and minimum maintenance costs. We offer long-term and short-term bespoke rental contracts which are specifically designed with the communication needs of your school at the heart.

Practical Tips for Implementing Two-Way Radios

The Right Radio for The Right Purpose

Consider specific school needs before purchasing two-way radios.
Do you need location tracking, emergency buttons or hands-free features? We often recommend licenced UHF devices for mid-sized schools with lots of buildings and obstructions. For larger campuses spread across multiple sites, Push-To-Talk Over cellular devices (POC) may proceed with better range and clarity.

Training

Increase productivity and eliminate errors caused by untrained staff. We would recommend creating a training guide or crying out a training session for all staff members to familiarise themselves with the devices and the features and test run emergency procedures. Educate users on radio protocol to ensure seamless communication can be achieved.

 

Our two-way radio recommendation for the Education Sector.

Protocol creation

We recommend devices that will help your faculty flourish this academic year!

First, we recommend a communication plan be created to outline which departments and staff members require devices. From this specific teams can be outlined and dedicated to certain channels to communicate on. These channel groups and teams also enable you to create protocols to follow in an emergency. This also helps you gauge how many devices you may require.

Example – A fire emergency Protocol matrix at a secondary school – 15 devices minimum

Protocol Steps.

Activation and initial Alert

• Fire alarm is triggered
• Admin contacts fire command on channel 1 to initial incident response.

Fire Command

• Fire Command personnel take control of Channel 1.
• Fire Command broadcasts incident information, location, and initial assessment.
• Assigns teams to specific tasks, including evacuation, crowd control, and communication coordination.

Administration

• Administrative staff monitor Channel 2 for instructions from Fire Command.
• Administration coordinates lockdowns, and evacuations, and notifies Fire Command about missing students or staff.

Teachers

• Teachers and staff listen to Channel 3 for evacuation instructions.
• Teachers report classroom status, including evacuation progress and any assistance needed.

Maintenance

• Maintenance staff monitor Channel 4 for facility-related updates.
• Reports any obstacles affecting evacuation routes or facility concerns.

Event Coordinators

• Event coordinators listen to Channel 5 for event-related updates.
• Coordinates halting ongoing events and guides attendees to safe areas.

Special Assistance

• Special education staff communicate on Channel 6.
• Requests assistance for students with special needs, ensuring their safe evacuation.

Transportation

• Transportation staff monitor Channel 7
• Coordinates halting bus operations and informs drivers about emergency procedures.

Fire Department

• Fire Command communicates with the local fire department on Channel 10.
• Provides incident details, location, and any additional information required.

Updates and Coordination

• Fire Command provides regular updates on Channel 1, ensuring all groups are informed about the incident’s status and necessary actions.

All Clear and Recovery

• Fire Command announces the “All Clear” signal on Channel 1 when the fire department declares the area safe.
• Administration coordinates the re-entry process, ensuring safety.

Debriefing and Communication Review

• After the incident, the school holds a debriefing involving relevant groups to review the response and communication effectiveness.

Device recommendation

Hytera BP565 – half keypad and display

• Lightweight & compact
• 10hr battery life
• Priority interrupt Allows you to terminate the ongoing call on the current channel to free up the channel, commonly used in emergencies

The Hytera BP565 is available for purchase HERE

Hytera BP515 – No keypad and display

• Lightweight & compact
• 10hr battery life
• Priority interrupt Allows you to terminate the ongoing call on the current channel to free up the channel, commonly used in emergencies

The Hytera BP515 is available for purchase HERE

We offer a 3-5 year managed service contract on all devices. This is great for schools on a budget.

The main benefits are:

• Device, accessories, licencing, and infrastructure costs all combined into one monthly payment
• No price changes during the contract
• Site coverage survey,
• Preventative maintenance.
• OFCOM Licence management

Schools carry the tremendous responsibility of safeguarding and educating our future generations. The use of two-way radios addresses many of the current communication challenges schools face, enhancing safety and facilitating smooth daily operations.

Here at 2wayradio shop, we create and provide bespoke two-way radio communication systems. Get in touch with our expert hire team today to arrange a free-of-charge 7-day demo hire!

0800 328 0100

Niamh@2wayradioshop.co.uk

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