Managing visitors is one of the most important responsibilities for school reception teams. From parents and contractors to deliveries and external visitors, schools need a secure and efficient way to manage who enters their site. By integrating Paxton access control systems with SelectVoice communications and Yealink smart phones, schools can create a connected visitor management solution that enables staff to see visitors, speak with them and grant access without leaving their desk. Whether you're managing a single entrance or multiple gates across a large campus, this integrated approach helps improve safeguarding, reduce disruption and create a better visitor experience.
Why School Visitor Management Matters
Reception teams are often the first line of defence when it comes to safeguarding.
When visitors arrive, staff need to:
- Verify who is requesting access
- Communicate quickly and effectively
- Maintain visibility of entry points
- Minimise disruption to daily operations
- Ensure only authorised individuals enter the site
Traditional access control and communications systems often operate independently, requiring staff to switch between devices or leave reception areas to manage visitor access.
A connected solution helps schools maintain control while improving efficiency.
Bring Access Control and Communications Together
Switchshop has successfully integrated Paxton access control systems with the SelectVoice communications platform and Yealink T88 Series smart phones.
When a visitor arrives at a gate, barrier or controlled entrance:
See Who’s There
Live video is displayed directly on a compatible Yealink phone, allowing staff to visually verify visitors before granting access.
Speak Instantly
Reception staff can communicate directly with visitors through the phone system without relying on separate intercom devices.
Grant Access Securely
Authorised users can open gates, barriers and controlled doors directly from their phone using simple on-screen controls.
Manage Multiple Entry Points
Control and monitor several entrances from a single communications platform, helping schools manage larger or multi-building sites more effectively.
Built for Education Environments
Strengthen School Safeguarding
Verify visitors before they enter the site and support safer access management procedures.
Reduce Reception Workload
Handle visitor access without leaving reception desks or interrupting other administrative tasks.
Improve Site Security
Maintain visibility and control over gates, barriers and controlled entry points across the school estate.
Enhance Visitor Experience
Provide faster responses for visitors, contractors and deliveries while maintaining security standards.
Proven Technology in Action
Working with Paxton and SelectVoice technologies, Switchshop recently tested a solution integrating three separate gate entry systems.
Using Yealink T88V, T88W and T88W Pro devices, staff were able to:
- Receive calls from multiple access points
- View live video from each entrance
- Communicate directly with visitors
- Open gates remotely through the phone interface
The result was a simple, intuitive solution that combined access control, video and communications into a single user experience.
Why Choose Switchshop?
Switchshop helps schools, colleges and Multi-Academy Trusts design, deploy and support technology solutions that improve safeguarding, security and operational
efficiency. With extensive experience across school communications systems, access control and security solutions, network infrastructure, visitor management technologies and education-focused consultancy, we understand the unique challenges faced by education organisations.
Our team works closely with customers across the UK to deliver integrated, future-ready solutions that help create safer, smarter and more connected learning environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is school visitor management?
School visitor management refers to the processes and technologies used to control, monitor and record visitor access to school sites. Effective visitor management helps improve safeguarding, security and operational efficiency.
How can schools improve visitor access control?
Schools can improve visitor access control by integrating access control systems, communications platforms and video technologies. This allows staff to verify visitors before granting access and manage entrances more effectively.
Can Paxton door entry systems be connected to a phone system?
Yes. Paxton access control and door entry systems can be integrated with communications platforms such as SelectVoice, allowing staff to receive calls, communicate with visitors and grant access through compatible phones.
Can you open a gate from a desk phone?
Yes. When integrated with compatible Yealink smart phones, authorised users can open gates, barriers and controlled doors directly from the phone interface.
How does access control support safeguarding?
Access control systems help schools manage who enters the site, verify visitors before granting access and maintain greater visibility of entry points, supporting wider safeguarding procedures.
Can multiple gates be managed from one device?
Yes. Multiple entrances can be integrated into a single communications platform, allowing staff to manage several gates, barriers or doors from one device.
Which phones support this solution?
The integration has been successfully tested using the Yealink T88V, T88W and T88W Pro smart phones.
Is this suitable for Multi-Academy Trusts?
Yes. Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts with multiple buildings, entrances or campuses can benefit from a centralised approach to visitor management and access control.
