Wales is set to enhance its approach to managing weapons in schools with the development of new resources aimed at providing consistent guidelines across the country. This initiative follows a commitment made during the **National Behaviour Summit** in **2025**, focusing on creating a safer educational environment for students and staff.
The **Cardiff Council** will spearhead the project, collaborating with local authorities and various stakeholders to establish a unified framework for addressing incidents involving weapons in educational settings. This effort will build on the guidance previously introduced in **autumn 2025**, which offered straightforward advice for schools within Cardiff. The aim is to ensure that all schools in Wales can effectively manage situations where students are found with weapons or are suspected of carrying them.
In developing these resources, the working group will engage with a wide range of partners, including young people, families, and community organizations. This inclusive approach seeks to gather insights on best practices and the latest evidence to inform the guidelines. The resources will be grounded in Cardiff’s **Weapons in Schools and Education Settings (WISES)** protocol, ensuring they are adaptable and relevant to various educational contexts.
The new materials will complement existing Welsh Government guidelines on safe intervention practices, which outline how schools can perform searches on pupils suspected of possessing weapons. The goal is to establish a robust and trauma-informed approach that promotes understanding of legal obligations while safeguarding all learners and staff involved.
Cllr Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “The news that the 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 impact of the existing guidance in enhancing safety for young people and school personnel.
Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, emphasized the right of all students and staff to a safe and respectful environment. She noted that the national guidance already permits schools to screen pupils suspected of carrying weapons and that the new resources would further clarify protocols for schools, families, and learners. “This work will be supported by up to **£300,000** in funding over the next 12 months, with the intent to make the resources fully available across Wales by **2027**,” Neagle added.
While the initiative has garnered support, some educational leaders stress the need for a more comprehensive approach. **Laura Doel**, national secretary at school leaders’ union **NAHT Cymru**, 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.” She acknowledged that while the guidance is beneficial, it is only part of the solution.
Doel urged recognition that schools are often dealing with broader social issues beyond their control, asserting that prevention is more effective than reaction. She called for greater investment from the Welsh Government to address reductions in community support services, including children’s social care and youth work, as well as support within schools for pastoral care and preventative initiatives.
As Wales moves forward with this new framework, the focus will be on ensuring that educational environments remain safe while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to the presence of weapons in schools. The collaborative efforts among various stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping a supportive and effective response to these challenges.
