CHBP School Federation

Brunswick Park Primary and Nursery School Church Hill Primary School Lane, Burlington Rise Southgate, London N14 5DU EN4 8NN

Tel: 020 8368 3468 Telephone: 020 8368 3431 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

‘As a federation, and as individual schools, we are committed to the wellbeing of all of our community - this is an integral part of each school's culture and ethos. Policies are formulated and implemented with this in mind, placing the wellbeing of all at the forefront at all times.’

Critical Incident and Emergency Planning Policy

November 2019

Date APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODY 20.11.19 RATIFIED BY GOVERNING BODY 20.11.19 NEXT REVIEW DUE Nov 2022

CHBP Federation Critical Incident and Emergency Planning Policy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 3

2. What is a critical incident? ...... 3

3. Examples of critical incidents ...... 3

4. Practice within CHBP Establishments...... 4 4.1. Critical Incidents Procedures ...... 4 4.2. Critical Incidents Team ...... 4

5. Associated Documents ...... 5

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1. Introduction The aim of this policy is to lessen and manage the effect of a critical incident on the staff, students and parents working with schools under the Church Hill Brunswick Park School Federation (CHBP). It is anticipated that by adopting the procedures referenced in this policy it will be possible to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone associated with the schools. Every reasonable step will be taken to:  Prevent or minimise the loss of life and injury to pupils, parents, staff and others  Alert relevant parties, e.g. the emergency services, the Local A uthority (LA), parents/carers and governors;  Take control at the scene  If event so serious that emergency services called perform effective handover on their arrival.  Minimise disruption to the normal daily routine of pupils and staff;  Support staff, pupils and parents in the aftermath of an incident;  Ensure effective working with the media.

2. What is a critical incident? A critical incident is one which arises suddenly. Critical incidents may occur in or out of CHBP controlled premises but both types may have a major impact on staff and students. An incident might be designated as critical where the result is likely to be serious disruption to the running of the work of a CHBP School, or where there is likely to be significant public and/or media attention on a CHBP school. The CHBP governors recognise that there cannot be a detailed written plan to cover every possible emergency. Core staff training includes regular discussions of the steps to be taken in the more common emergencies, including a deliberate act of violence, fire, the destruction or serious vandalism of school property or public health threats (e.g. meningitis). Where the incident is related to people, such as in the event of a death or serious injury, the assumption is that CHBP will take the lead, with the support of the LA, as necessary.

3. Examples of critical incidents  A serious accident to a child or adult  The death of a student or member of staff  A traffic accident involving a student or staff member  Violence or assault within a CHBP school  A fire or explosion at a CHBP school

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 Abduction of a pupil  A pupil or pupils absconding  An illness such as meningitis within a CHBP school  A serious incident in the local community  Severe weather  Bomb threat  Terrorist alert  Aeroplane crashing on or near the site  An accident to a pupil or staff member during school time  Death or injuries on an external trip  Tragedy involving children from many families.  Civil disturbances In the event of an incident like these there can be three aspects to deal with at once:  the critical incident itself  the impact on the school community  the public impact of the incident, including how it is reported in the media  4. Practice within CHBP Establishments Teachers have an important role to play in managing critical incidents and may well be the best people to deal with the pupils they are working with. In times of crisis, teachers must react as they feel is appropriate and there can be no easy formula for dealing with critical incidents. However, by ensuring good communication and support within our schools, an emergency may be managed more effectively.

4.1. Critical Incidents Procedures We recognise that planning is essential if emergencies are to be managed effectively. Because of the differences between Church Hill and Brunswick Park schools the federation has produced a Critical Incident Procedure for each school. These should be regarded as guidelines as it is impossible to comprehensively create a set of instructions that will cover every eventuality. These procedures ensure that those involved in the initial stages have a firm basis from which to develop their response These procedural documents are for staff circulation only and will be regarded as confidential.

4.2. Critical Incidents Team A central component of this policy is the identification of the composition, roles and responsibilities of the Critical Incidents Team. The role of the team is to review and direct the handling of the incident and the response and recovery process in order to:

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 ensure the safety and security of pupils, staff, and others,  minimize the loss to the schools in physical, human and financial terms;  manage an incident to minimise disruption;  liaise with appropriate agencies, including the media.

The Critical Incidents Team will comprise the following personnel:  Executive Headteacher  Chair of Governors  Relevant Head of School

The Critical Incidents Team will, dependent upon the nature of the incident itself, be concerned with any of the following issues:  adequate assessment of hazards and situations which may require emergency action;  analysis of requirements to address these hazards; establishment of liaison with all relevant emergency services; development of an effective management plan;  dissemination of planned procedures;  dissemination of information to: o all staff o parents o emergency services o pupils  communications to: o The Governors o LEA o Media  organisation and monitoring of practice drills to test the plan;  annual review of this Policy  assisting the Executive Headteacher with all aspects of the implementation of the plan

5. Associated Documents Critical Incident Procedures Church Hill School Critical Incident Procedures Brunswick Park School

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