Lockdown Procedures and Drill

Dear parent / carer

 

Schools in the UK have a legal duty to have proportionate security measures in place in case a lockdown situation is required.  Lockdowns are used when there is a perceived threat on or near the premises and pupils need to be secured quickly inside buildings away from danger.  While the risk of attacks on schools is extremely rare, it is essential we have these plans in place to protect children and staff from harm.  

 

Just as with fire evacuation drills, lockdown drills should also be carried out regularly to ensure that staff and children know what to do in an emergency.  This is in line with recommendations from the Department for Education.  

 

We will be carrying out a lockdown drill on Thursday 16th July 2026.  During the drill, children and staff will be alerted using a pre-arranged signal.  Staff will then secure children in their classrooms and follow protocols outlined in our Lockdown Policy.  The drill is likely to last around 15 minutes, after which an ‘all clear’ will be sounded and normal school will resume.  We will discuss the drill and procedures with children in an age appropriate way.  We would like to reassure parents / carers that this will be done in a very calm and reassuring way as we in no way wish to alarm children.  The example we will be using with the children for this drill is that of a horse that has gotten loose from the local stables.  He is running around outside because he is trying to find his way home!

 

Lockdown drills will become commonplace, just as with fire evacuation drills.  It is therefore possible that parents / carers will not be notified of future drills. 

 

If a real lockdown situation were to arise in the future, it is important to note that we will likely not be able to communicate this with parents / carers fully until AFTER the situation is resolved.  For example, we may be able to notify you that a lockdown is underway but be unable to give you any details of the situation.  It is essential that parents / carers do not come onto site or call school during a lockdown.  This will allow us to work with emergency services to keep children safe which is our number one priority.  When it is safe to do so, we will communicate further with parents / carers.  

 

Thank you for your understanding.

 

Leadership Team