Advice for schools

Parents trust schools to keep their children safe both in school and when learning outside the classroom. Thanks to the efforts of school staff and governors, schools remain a safe haven for children. However, they can become involved in an emergency at any time.

Examples include

• Death or serious injury to a pupil or member of staff
• Kidnap or disappearance of pupil
• Violence or assault in school
• Destruction or vandalism of part of the school
• Fire, flood or explosion
• Loss of utility supply
• Transport accidents
• Strangers on the school grounds
• Chemical or toxic substance release
• The effects of a disaster in the wider community
• Disease epidemics / pandemics

Thankfully, emergencies such as these are rare and will probably never happen in most schools, but it is vital that schools and local authorities prepare for all eventualities. Plans which deal with the consequences of large-scale emergencies will also help in dealing with the kind of smaller, routine (but nevertheless potentially distressing) incidents that can be experienced on a regular basis.

The Developing Community Resilience Through Schools project aims to increase the resilience of schools and communities to emergencies by providing national guidance and resources for schools and local authorities to use. It is a collaboration between the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Cabinet Office and local authorities and emergency planning units who were awarded ‘Beacon’ status in 2007-2008 for emergency planning.

Resources available for consultation

• Coping with a School Emergency - A practical guide for schools
• Template School Emergency Plan
• Guidance for Children’s Services Departments on Emergency Planning and Business Continuity

To download resources and find out more about the project visit the

School emergencies website

Queries about the project can be directed to info@schoolemergencies.co.uk.