Lock Down Policy

 

‘Lock down’ of premises can either be full or partial depending upon the nature and severity of the perceived risk. The following scenarios could lead to the initiation of lock down procedures:

  • Airborne hazard (e.g. smoke plume, gas cloud) - partial lock down

  • An incident in the community that is not of immediate danger but has the potential to develop into a tangible threat (e.g. loose dog, civil disturbance) - partial lock down

  • A suspicious person in close vicinity of the premises who presents an immediate danger to children and staff (e.g. carrying a firearm) - full lock down

 

 Partial Lock down Procedure

On notification of an incident or suspicious occurrence in the vicinity, the supervisor will:

  1.  Signal for partial lock down.  Notification could be received from the Police, or from a vigilant member of the community.

  2. Ensure all staff and children are safely within the building.

  3. Ensure all external windows and doors are safely locked.

  4. Open up a channel of communication with emergency services and act upon their direction.

  5. Open up discreet communication between all staff in case situation quickly escalates.

  6. Dependent upon circumstances, communicate a reassuring update to parents but request that children are not collected.

On notification that the risk has abated, the Supervisor will signal the ‘all clear’.

Full Lock down Procedure

On notification of a suspicious person in close vicinity of the premises, the supervisor, will:

  1. Signal for a full lock down.  Notification could be received from the Police, or from a vigilant member of the community.

  2. Direct staff to take children to our designated lock down area and follow lock down drill.

  3. Ensure all external windows and doors are safely locked.

  4. Have a mobile phone to hand in preparation for emergency use.

  5. Supervisor to open up a channel of communication with emergency services and act upon their direction.

  6. Open up discreet communication between all staff to provide updates and further instructions

  7. Dependent upon circumstances, communicate a reassuring update to parents but request that children are not collected. Promise to provide regular updates

 

 

 This policy is known, agreed and implemented by all staff and committee.

 This policy is known and made available to all parents.

This policy was adopted at The Committee Meeting held on …………………