children's teaching, an umbrella group for parents said last night.

Anthony Steede, president of Warwick Secondary's Parent Teachers Association, was speaking after Government announced it was sending security guards to three secondary schools this Monday.

The decision was sparked by a violent incident at Warwick Secondary when a teacher was assaulted by a student.

Yesterday Mr. Steede revealed that the PTA wrote to Education Minister Jerome Dill urging him to protect staff and children after the incident.

"We sent a letter to the Minister on Thursday saying that we cannot afford to jeopardise the teaching of our children or the teachers themselves.

"We urged the Minister to provide a safe environment for our teachers and children,'' added Mr. Steede, who is also president of the National PTA.

On Monday security guards will be stationed at Warwick Secondary, Northlands and Whitney Institute.

Schools Island-wide have been experiencing security problems recently, but the issue came to a head when a 15-year-old boy road his bike into Warwick Secondary school.

PTA backs security guards BHS principal Eleanor Kingsbury said the school's PTA planned to erect a high chain-linked fence around a third of the school's property which was accessible to outsiders.

A few weeks ago a known molester was seen on the school's property, she revealed.

"We would have more peace of mind, if we can fence in the lot (whole property),'' Mrs. Kingsbury admitted.

Saltus deputy principal Nigel Kermode said the school did not have a real problem with intruders.

Former students were allowed to visit, if they first reported to the office, he explained.

Those without permission or strangers on the school property were asked to leave, he added. If they refused, Police would be called.

But Mr. Kermode said most people cooperated with school officials.

St. George's secondary principal Charlotte Ming said the school was fenced in and therefore she did not see the need for security guards.