Today we have practiced our lockdown procedure. This is something ALL school have to do statutorily, no different to completing fire drills to evacuate the building. 

While the risk of an incident involving an intruder looking to cause harm in any school is extremely low, it’s still vital that every school has a clear, well-practiced lockdown procedure in place and has the tools to implement it swiftly and safely. Our plan clearly states the steps that staff must take to protect pupils, visitors and themselves from any threat.

Situations when a lockdown may be used include:

• When an intruder is seen on the school grounds or in the building
• When a violent or abusive parent/carer is causing trouble
• When a threat has been made against the school

While a lockdown is used when there is the risk of immediate harm to pupils, staff or visitors, an invacuation is used when there is danger outside the school that needs to be avoided.

Invacuations can be useful in situations such as:

• Loose animals on school grounds
• Gas, smoke or other chemical pollution in the area
• Any incident near the school which has the potential to cause harm if pupils, staff or visitors leave the building

Please be assured that this is nothing to be concerned about and is common practice in ALL schools across the country. The children all followed instructions well, were not afraid and on the most part seemed to enjoy to whole process.