St Benedict’s C. of E. VA Junior School Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9EX Tel: 01458 831811, Fax: 01458 832261 Email: sch.164@educ.somerset.gov.uk Headteacher: Mr P. Ranger
Dream, Believe, Achieve
Critical Incident Policy Statement
Rationale We are only too aware from the local and national media that unfortunately traumatic incidents affecting schools and local communities seem to be on the increase. School has an important role to play in helping children to understand and cope with the impact of such events. The Headteacher (or in his absence, the Deputy Headteacher) will make the decision as to whether a situation constitutes a critical incident. A critical incident may be defined as a single incident or sequence of incidents which
Are sudden and unexpected Contain real or imagined threats to a person Overwhelm usual coping mechanisms Cause severe disruption Are traumatic to anyone
Critical incidents affecting schools may include:
The death of a pupil(s) or member(s) of staff through sudden accident, murder, terminal illness or suicide. A serious incident involving pupils and school personnel on or off school premises. A violent attack or violent intrusion onto school premises Fire, flood, building collapse or major vandalism in schools A hostage situation A disaster in the community
In the event of a critical incident the Local Authority (LA) will provide therapeutic support from the Educational Psychology Service which will visit school immediately to advise and support staff. Debriefing will be provided for staff and pupils who are particularly affected. Parents will be notified that this support is available. The involvement and expertise of other LA officers and services will also be made available to school.
Review date with Health & Safety Policy October 2019
Senior Staff will take the following action: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Emergency services will be contacted as necessary. Gather vital information about the incident. Access support from Mendip Area Base on 01458 441140 Inform all staff and establish procedures for keeping them informed of incoming information. 5. Establish how and when pupils will be informed (dependent on nature of incident). 6. Be sensitive to feelings of staff involved. 7. Inform Governors. Senior staff will inform the parents and designated next-of-kin of children directly involved quickly and with sensitivity. They will ensure that information is consistent and reliable. A room will be set aside for meetings with parents. We will ensure that other parents will be informed of an incident (where appropriate) through the attached letter. Within school we will ensure that pupils are given the support that they need and given the opportunity to talk through their own personal reactions whilst encouraging the re-establishment of normal school routines. We will offer support to all staff and recognise the differing needs of each affected individual. Where necessary arrangements will be made for staff to see a counsellor or outside support agency. Date approved: 23rd October 2018
Signed: Mike Derbidge …………. Health & Safety Governor
Review date (with Health & Safety Policy): …..October 2019
Review date with Health & Safety Policy October 2019