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Critical Incident Policy and Lockdown Plan



Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all children, staff, and visitors. This policy outlines our procedures for emergency lockdown situations and critical incident response, providing clear guidance for maintaining safety during potential threats or emergencies.

We serve children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA), and our emergency procedures are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of young children in our care.

1. Lockdown Scenarios

When to Implement Lockdown

Lockdown procedures may be activated in the following situations:

  • Security threat in the local area
  • Dangerous animal in vicinity
  • Chemical spill or environmental hazard nearby
  • Civil disturbance or terrorism threat
  • Unauthorized person attempting entry
  • Serious weather conditions posing immediate danger

1.1 Lockdown Notification

Staff will be alerted to initiate lockdown procedures through:

Alert Method Description Activation
Distinct Alarm Unique sound different from fire alarm Nursery Manager or Deputy
Verbal Instruction Direct communication if alarm not possible Any senior staff member
Internal Message Text/email alert to all staff devices Management Team

2. Lockdown Procedures - CLOSE Protocol

CLOSE Procedure

  1. Close all windows and doors immediately
  2. Lock all access points and secure the area
  3. Out of sight - position children away from windows and doors
  4. Silent - maintain quiet, turn off devices and lights
  5. Endure - remain in position until all-clear given

2.1 Immediate Actions

Action Responsibility Completion Time
Secure Room Room Leader/Practitioner Immediate (30 seconds)
Account for Children All Staff in Room 1 minute
Contact Office Room Leader 2 minutes (if safe)
Emergency Services Nursery Manager Immediate

2.2 Children's Safety Measures

  • Move children to designated safe areas within rooms
  • Use calming techniques appropriate for young children
  • Engage in quiet activities (stories, quiet songs)
  • Maintain familiar routines where possible
  • Provide comfort items for distressed children

3. Staff Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Responsibilities

Role Primary Responsibilities Backup
Nursery Manager Activate lockdown, contact emergency services, overall coordination Deputy Manager
Room Leaders Secure rooms, account for children, maintain calm Senior Practitioners
Administrative Staff Secure main entrance, monitor communications, support manager Reception Staff
All Practitioners Implement CLOSE procedure, comfort children, follow instructions Support Staff

3.2 Specific Actions

Immediate Staff Actions

  • Close and lock all windows and doors
  • Draw blinds and curtains
  • Turn off lights, computers, and electronic devices
  • Position children in safe areas away from doors/windows
  • Take register and account for all children
  • Maintain calm and quiet atmosphere

4. Communication Procedures

4.1 Internal Communication

Communication Type Method Purpose
Lockdown Activation Alarm system, staff phones, verbal Immediate alert to all staff
Room Status Phone, intercom (if safe) Account for children and staff
All-Clear Signal Verbal from management, distinct signal End lockdown safely

4.2 External Communication

Parent Communication Protocol

  1. Initial alert via nursery app/text message system
  2. Clear instruction not to approach nursery
  3. Regular updates as situation develops
  4. Information about collection procedures when safe
  5. Follow-up communication after incident resolved

5. Critical Incidents on Outings

5.1 Immediate Response Framework

During nursery outings, the following priorities guide our response:

  • Assess the situation quickly and calmly
  • Safeguard all children in the group
  • Attend to any casualties immediately
  • Inform emergency services if required
  • Contact nursery for support and guidance

5.2 Outing Incident Communication

Information Required Details to Provide Contact Point
Incident Details What happened, location, time, nature of incident Nursery Manager
Casualty Information Number injured, nature of injuries, names Emergency Services + Nursery
Group Status Total in group, current location, immediate needs Nursery Manager
Action Taken Steps already taken, planned actions, support needed Nursery Management

6. Media and External Communications

6.1 Media Management

Press Communication Guidelines

  • Only Nursery Manager or designated spokesperson speaks to media
  • Stick to factual information only
  • Protect privacy of children, staff and families
  • Use prepared statements where possible
  • Do not speculate or provide personal opinions
  • Direct media to official communications channels

6.2 Communication with Authorities

  • Immediate contact with emergency services as required
  • Notification to Local Authority and Ofsted for serious incidents
  • Liaison with LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) for safeguarding matters
  • Coordination with other relevant agencies as needed

7. Post-Incident Support and Recovery

7.1 Staff Support

Support Type Implementation Timeline
Immediate Debrief Staff meeting following incident Within 24 hours
Emotional Support Access to counselling, peer support As needed
Training Review Identify learning points, update procedures Within 1 week
Ongoing Monitoring Check on staff wellbeing Following weeks

7.2 Children and Family Support

Supporting Young Children

  • Age-appropriate explanations of what happened
  • Opportunities for children to express feelings through play
  • Maintenance of normal routines where possible
  • Close communication with parents about child's response
  • Access to additional support for distressed children

8. Training and Drills

8.1 Regular Practice

Drill Type Frequency Participants
Full Lockdown Drill Annually All Staff and Children
Staff Training Termly All Staff
Tabletop Exercises Bi-annually Management Team
Outing Emergency Practice Before major outings Outing Staff

8.2 Drill Evaluation

  • Immediate debrief following each drill
  • Identification of areas for improvement
  • Update of procedures based on learning
  • Staff feedback incorporated into training
  • Documentation of drill outcomes

9. Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 999

Non-emergency Police: 101

Nursery Emergency Line: 024 1234 5678

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name] - 07890 123456

Deputy Manager: [Deputy's Name] - 07890 123457

Local Authority: 024 7683 1000

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [One year from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School

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