It is important that we continue to review all our procedures, taking into account even those events that are very unlikely to occur. As part of this process, we have introduced a new procedure called “lockdown”.

I am writing to inform you that we will be practicing this procedure this half term.

What is a lockdown and when would we carry it out?

A lockdown procedure is a standard health and safety procedure, similar to a fire drill.

Our lockdown procedure would be used when there is a threat to the safety of pupils, staff and others in the school, and when it is safer for everyone to remain in school than evacuate. The aim is to keep people safe by confining them to a secure place of safety.

Situations where our lockdown procedure may be used include:

1. A potentially dangerous person or animal on the school site
2. A disturbance or dangerous situation in the local community that could affect the school
3. A nearby chemical incident or other risk of air pollution
4. An incident related to terrorism
5.  

Our lockdown procedure is as follows:

• Staff will be alerted to the activation of the plan through a siren.
• Pupils who are outside of the school buildings are brought inside as quickly as possible, unless this endangers them and others.
• Those inside the school should remain in their classrooms.
• All external doors and, as necessary, windows are locked (depending on the circumstances, internal classroom doors may also need to be blocked).
• Once in lockdown mode, staff should notify the office immediately of any pupils not accounted by mobile or classroom phone and instigate an immediate search for anyone missing, (if reasonably possible).
• Staff should encourage the pupils to keep calm.
• As appropriate, the school office will establish communication with the Emergency Services and Nottinghamshire County Council via mobile phone.
• Parents will be notified as soon as it is practicable to do so via text messaging and the website.
• Pupils will not be released to parents during a lockdown.
• If it is necessary to evacuate the building, the fire alarm will be sounded.

Our children will not be told the nature of any emergency unless absolutely necessary. During a practice we will tell children that we would follow this procedure in case of an emergency outside. We will not be telling our children about potential situations so as to keep distress to a minimum.

Partial Lockdown

This may be as a result of a reported incident / civil disturbance in the local community with the potential to pose a risk to staff and pupils in the school. It may also be as a result of a warning being received regarding the risk of air pollution, etc.

Immediate action:

• All outside activity to cease immediately, pupils and staff return to building.
• All staff and pupils remain in building and external doors and windows locked
• Movement may be permitted within the building dependent upon circumstances but this must be supervised by a member of staff

All situations are different, once all staff and pupils are safely inside, senior staff will conduct an on-going and dynamic risk assessment based on advice from the Emergency Services.

‘Partial lockdown’ is a precautionary measure but puts the school in a state of readiness (whilst retaining a degree of normality) should the situation escalate.

In the event of an air pollution issue, air vents can be closed (where possible) as an additional precaution. Emergency Services will advise as to the best course of action in respect of the prevailing threat.

Instructions for parents in the event of a lockdown

1. Parents will be informed that the school is in lockdown via the schools website and text message.
2. Parents should not attempt to call or come to the school, as this may hinder the school’s effort to contact and work with the emergency services.
3. Parents should not discuss the event on social media, as this may spread false information and create panic.
4. Pupils will be instructed not to use mobile phones during a lockdown, so parents should not be alarmed if your child does not answer their phone.
5. The school will explain what will happen if the lockdown continues beyond school hours, and whether there are any changes to collection arrangements in this circumstance.

Prior to our drill, staff will take time to talk to pupils about lockdown procedures and explain why they are important. They will reassure pupils after the drill that they are safe, and will emphasise that practicing procedures like this will make sure the school remains a safe place to learn.

I must stress again this is simply a practice, so that in the unlikely event of such a situation, our pupils and staff are fully prepared.

If you or your child have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Ruby Grey

Headteacher