Alderley Edge Community Primary School

Enhancing safety in our school

Dear Parents

 

At Alderley Edge Community Primary School, we take safeguarding and safety very seriously. 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 a procedure called “lockdown” (not related to COVID 19!)

 

I am writing to inform you that the children will be practicing our procedure over the forthcoming weeks before we have a school lockdown drill (similar to a fire drill) before the end of term. The teachers will be talking to their children about lockdowns and what to do in a lockdown drill so when it occurs they are prepared.

 

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 children, staff and others in the school, and when it is safer for everyone to remain in school rather 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:

 

* A potentially dangerous person or animal on the school site

 

* A disturbance or dangerous situation in the local community that could affect the school

 

* A nearby chemical incident or other risk of air pollution

 

* An incident related to terrorism

 

Our procedure

Our lockdown procedure is as follows:

 

People in school will be notified using a code word via word of mouth, phone system and texts

 

Children inside the building will return to their classroom or nearest designated safe place

 

Children and adults outside the building will return via the nearest entrance (if it is safe to do so)

 

Any classes on school visits will be messaged and told to remain off site

 

Registers will be taken and all children and adults accounted for

We will follow the Lockdown CLOSE process

o Close windows and blinds

o Lock up

o Out of sight

o Stay silent

o Ensure mobiles on but on silent

 

If appropriate, the lockdown will be scaled back to a ‘partial lockdown’ where people are free to move around the inside of buildings:

 

Emergency services will be called in the event of a real lockdown

 

Parents will be informed via School Spider messages in the event of a real lockdown

 

When it is safe to do so, the all clear message will be shared

 

Instructions for parents in the event of a ‘real’ lockdown

* Parents will be informed that the school is in a real lockdown via text message

 

* 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

 

* Parents should not discuss the event on social media, as this may spread false information and create panic

 

* People on site will be instructed not to use telephones during a lockdown as they need to be kept open for communication so parents should not be alarmed if they do not receive a response during this period

 

* If the lockdown continues beyond school hours, and there are any changes to collection arrangements you will be notified via Parentmail

 

Parents will be informed when a drill has taken place via Parentmail.

 

Prior to our drill, staff will take time to talk to pupils about lockdown procedures and explain why they are important. We will NOT be detailing possible extreme emergencies as we do not wish to worry the children. Children will be told that it is just like a ‘Fire Drill’ and to be used in case of an emergency to keep them safe. If they ask we will refer to stray dogs, incidents in Alderley Edge or inclement weather e.g. very high winds. Staff 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 myself via the school office.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Lindsey Walsh

Head Teacher

Contact Us
Alderley Edge Community Primary School Church Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7UZ
01625 704510
Headteacher | Mrs Lindsey Walsh
SENDCO | Miss Melanie Rose
Designated Safeguarding Lead | Mrs Lindsey Walsh
Bursar | Mrs Suzanne Broadrick