BUTTERWICK PINCHBECK S ENDOWED CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Transcription

1 BUTTERWICK PINCHBECK S ENDOWED CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL DEALING WITH CRITICAL INCIDENTS AND DIASTER RECOVERY POLICY Date Agreed: March 2015 Date to be Reviewed: March

2 BUTTERWICK PINCHBECK S ENDOWED CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Dealing with Critical Incidents and Disaster Recovery Policy This policy is an important document and all staff should be aware of, and familiar with, its content. Naturally, no school wishes to be involved in a critical incident of any kind especially one that involves injury to adults or children. However, in the event that such a situation arises in school or on a trip or that damage to the building occurs staff need to be aware of the contingency plan for Butterwick Pinchbeck s Endowed Church of England (Aided) Primary School. To be read in conjunction with Safeguarding and Outdoor Education Policies. Preventative and Precautionary Measures: Whilst no amount of planning can totally prevent accidents and problems occurring, it is hoped that some can be prevented and the effects of others minimised by taking sensible precautionary measures. It is expected that: All staff and pupils should be familiar with the school s routines for fire and the evacuation of the school building on hearing the fire alarm. All staff should be familiar with the routines and procedures for dealing with emergencies (as detailed in this Policy). All staff and pupils should be familiar with the school s security procedures, in particular that all visitors not wearing a visitor s badge should be questioned and escorted to reception. All staff organising school trips and visits follow the guidelines and checklist. All pupils should sign in/out when they arrive late/need to leave school in the middle of a session. All staff should sign out when they leave the premises and when they return. All staff are aware of pupils with health problems. A major incident may be defined as: An accident leading to a fatality; Severe injury or severe stress; Circumstances in which a person or persons might be at serious risk of illness; Circumstances in which any part, or whole of the school is unable to function as normal due to external influences and Any situation in which the national press or media might be involved As such, major incidents/disasters include: Death of a pupil or member of staff; Death or serious injury on a school trip; Fire Adverse weather; Loss of IT systems; Loss of electricity; Loss of water; Flood; Epidemic in school or community; Violent incident in school; A pupil missing from home or school; 2

3 Destruction or major vandalism in school; A hostage taking; A transport accident involving school members; A disaster in the community; A civil disturbance or terrorism. In the event of such an incident the priorities of those adults in charge of the school or trip at the time must be able to: Save life Minimise personal injury Safeguard the interests of pupils, students and staff Minimise loss and to return to normal working quickly Immediate Action Cards (See Appendix 1 and 2): The Action Cards give responsibilities for specified staff in the event of a critical incident (a) away from the school (b) in the school environs These should be used in the event of a major incident and be carried by staff on school visits. Due to the nature of school life, which includes the absence of staff on courses, at meetings etc. the following staff order should be followed. Incidents in school (Action Card 3): Adult 1 (INFORM) (1) Headteacher, (2) Deputy Head (3) Safeguarding Leader (4) SLT Adult 2 (SAVE) First Aiders Adult 3 (CARE) Head, Administrator Adult 4 (ASSIST) Deputy Head Teaching Assistants and class teachers to remain with classes On Trips (Action Card 1): Adult 1 (INFORMS) Group Leader Adult 2 (SAVES) Nominated adult (to be shown on risk assessment) Adult 3 (CARE) Nominated adult (to be shown on risk assessment) See Action Card 2 for Senior Staff who hear of major incident out of school. Adverse Weather/Loss of Electricity/Loss of Water (Action Card 4): The Headteacher will liaise with the Caretaker to enable an informed decision to be made regarding the closure of the school. Loss of IT: Mouchel IT helpdesk to be phoned ( ) and staff to be kept informed. 3

4 SHORT TERM ACTION the next stage: Reunion of children with their families especially where the incident occurs outside the school. Mostly children will need to be brought home, but sometimes parents and families need to visit the scene of the incident to understand how they deal with repercussions in terms of children s fear etc. Managing staff support needs organising for all staff, preferably from within the school, but using outside agencies if appropriate. Staff monitoring should be a priority, even members of the Critical Incident Management Team. If a crisis persists over many hours staff become tired, weary and upset and this affects their powers to make sensible decisions. Encourage pupils to talk activate strategies for enabling young people to talk about the incident, and their feelings, using the Student and Family Support Worker and outside agencies if appropriate. Staff will need briefing about ways to help the children affected by the incident, and how to identify patterns of behaviour etc. This may have implications for the wider curriculum, i.e. training in bereavement counselling for staff, provision of a range of books, PSHEE discussions etc Debriefing meeting it may be appropriate to hold a debriefing meeting for staff, pupils and parents to: clarify what has happened. allow for sharing reactions reassure people that reactions are normal mobilise resources e.g. parental support groups An experienced person, possibly someone from outside the school community, should lead this meeting. Formal and information recognition of rituals it is important to remember to express sympathy to families of the hurt or bereaved. Visits to pupils/staff in hospital. Pupils may wish to send cards and letters. The school may also need to consider attendance at funerals, and/or the desirability of holding special assemblies or memorial services. Anniversaries are also key times when support and sensitivity are required. Re-establishing routines every attempt should be made to provide continuity for the pupils. The return to school of staff or pupils directly affected by the crisis will need to be managed carefully and with sensitivity but the re-establishment of routine is an important stage in emotional recovery. MEDIUM TERM ACTION: Return to school for staff or pupils after long absence reintegration will need to be planned carefully, and may involve home visits prior to return, part time attendance initially, reducing workloads, putting in place mentoring process etc. Consulting professionals consideration should be given to consulting the Educational Psychology Service for support and guidance, especially to help those showing unusual or prolonged reaction to the incident. Keeping parents informed it may be appropriate to produce a leaflet for parents giving guidance on the possible delayed reactions of pupils to an incident and making suggestions to help them deal with these. Support for staff ongoing monitoring and support for staff is a major consideration. CIMT especially will not be immune to reaction from their ordeal. 4

5 LONG TERM ACTION: Monitoring the vulnerable the effects of a crisis can reverberate for years, and it is especially important that new staff and pupils are briefed in the school s history to help them understand and deal with potential repercussions especially at anniversary times (see Appendix 5). Marking anniversaries these difficult times need to be treated with sensitivity. Some suggestions for schools to mark anniversaries are by annual concerts, memorial services, memorial prize giving ceremonies, memorial gardens etc. Legal processes the length of time taken over some legal processes can prolong the recovery process following a critical incident. Critical Incident Management Team may need to plan for this especially where staff may be involved attending legal processes, and facing extended emotional trauma. Curriculum implications it may be appropriate to schedule INSET training for staff in loss counselling, bereavement etc. Critical Response Planning Team In the event of an incident it will be necessary to name a planning team to guide operations and carry out specific tasks. At Butterwick Pinchbeck s Endowed Church of England (Aided) Primary School, in the immediate aftermath of an incident, this team would consist of: 1. The Headteacher 2. Deputy Headteacher/ Child Protection Officer 3. A member of the Governing Body (An Incident Information form will be used to establish school s needs Appendix 3) In the event that the school buildings cannot be used and evacuation is necessary staff will escort pupils to Butterwick Church after contacting Rev Andrew. No adult should speak to the press/media under any circumstances without the express permission of the adult in charge of the school at the time e.g. The Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher. A clear and concise record of actions taken MUST be kept by those involved (Appendix 4) Although mobile phones can be a good method of communication in some situations they are NOT secure and should NOT be used to relay information about casualties. A telephone cascade system will be put in place to alert parents if necessary. Media requests for information should be directed to the School Services Manager. Any other statements should first be checked with Lincolnshire County Council Public Relations Officer. One person only should be nominated to talk to the media preferably an LA member as above. In the event of a fire or incident involving evacuation the same routine should be followed as that during standard fire practices. Pupils should exit and go to the nearest safe assembly point. In most cases: 5

6 All classes would assemble on the playground. All windows and doors should be left shut. Registers must be taken and pupils counted. Staff should ensure pupils do not have to pass obvious danger points to reach a safe area. Classes will wait to be directed following evacuation. Ways of defusing an incident Re-unite parents with children as soon as possible (only with permission of named adult e.g. Headteacher). Keep parents and community informed of developments following the incident to prevent speculation. Do not make off the cuff or unofficial comments to people at any time including after the incident. Always raise concerns with the Critical Incident Team. Monitor pupils and staff carefully after an incident for signs of stress or distress. The LA will provide support. N.B. It is crucial to know at all times where the children are at any given moment. This is especially important at a time of possible stress and worry. 6

7 APPENDIX 1 ACTION CARDS 1 GUIDANCE FOR GROUP LEADERS ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THERE HAS BEEN A MAJOR INCIDENT INSTRUCT ALL COLLEAGUES TO RECORD THEIR ACTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ALLOCATE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES as outlined by the emergency action cards INFORM OBTAIN FACTS AND INFORMATION CALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES USING 999 SYSTEM RETAIN ANY RELEVANT EQUIPMENT INFORM SENIOR SCHOOL STAFF CONTACT HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES REQUEST ASSISTANCE ON SITE AS NECESSARY PREPARE TO DEAL WITH THE MEDIA ADULT 1 - INFORMS Group Leader SAVE ADMINISTER FIRST AID WHERE POSSIBLE ESTABLISH A CONTACT POINT WITH THE EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAVEL WITH CASUALTIES TO HOSPITAL COMPLETE ACCIDENT FORMS ADULT 2 - SAVES Nominated adult to be shown on risk assessment CARE CALL OTHER ASSISTANCE AS NECESSARY KEEP A RECORD OF WITNESSES KEEP OTHERS INFORMED OF SITUATION CONSIDER ABANDONMENT OF ACTIVITY ARRANGE FOR NON CASUALTIES TO RETURN TO SCHOOL REMAIN AVAILABLE TO EMERGENCY SERVICES AND SUPERVISING COLLEAGUES ADULT 3 - CARES Nominated adult to be shown on risk assessment MAINTAIN VITAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AT ALL TIMES DO NOT ALLOW PUPILS/STAFF TO TALK TO THE MEDIA UNLESS SENIOR STAFF OR PARENTS HAVE GIVEN PERMISSION LOG SHEETS MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL STAFF INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT 7

8 GUIDANCE FOR SENIOR STAFF ON HEARING OF A MAJOR INCIDENT AFFECTING AN OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITY THERE HAS BEEN A MAJOR INCIDENT INSTRUCT ALL COLLEAGUES TO RECORD THEIR ACTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ALLOCATE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES as outlined by the emergency action cards INFORM OBTAIN FACTS AND INFORMATION ENSURE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN CALLED CONFIRM WHO IS IN CHARGE CONTACT HEADTEACHER/SENIOR STAFF CONTACT EMERGENCY PLANNING OFFICER CONTACT CHAIR OF GOVERNORS CONTACT LEA REPRESENTATIVES CONTACT OTHER STAFF PREPARE TO DEAL WITH THE MEDIA ADULT 1 - INFORMS (GROUP LEADER) Mrs Sam Towers - Headteacher Karen Lewis - Deputy Headteacher Tom Huck Child Protection Administrator may also play role in C.I. CARE DECIDE WHO AND HOW TO TELL PARENT OF CHILDREN ON THE VISIT ESTABLISH INCIDENT ROOM ESTABLISH ROOM FOR RELATIVES REMAIN AVAILABLE TO SUPERVISING COLLEAGUES ADULT 2 - CARES If not used above then Deputy Head then Safeguarding Leader MAINTAIN VITAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AT ALL TIMES DO NOT ALLOW PUPILS/STAFF TO TALK TO THE MEDIA UNLESS SENIOR STAFF OR PARENTS HAVE GIVEN PERMISSION LOG SHEETS MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL STAFF INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT (APPENDIX 3) 8

9 APPENDIX 1 ACTION CARD 3 GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOL STAFF IN EVENT OF A MAJOR INCIDENT IN SCHOOL ENVIRONS THERE HAS BEEN A MAJOR INCIDENT INSTRUCT ALL COLLEAGUES TO RECORD THEIR ACTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ALLOCATE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES as outlined by the emergency action cards INFORM OBTAIN FACTS AND INFORMATION CALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES USING 999 RETAIN ANY RELEVANT EQUIPMENT INFORM REST OF SCHOOL STAFF AND CHILDREN AS APPROPRIATE CONTACT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES (or his/her representative) CONTACT CHAIR OF GOVERNORS CONTACT HEALTH AND SAFETY REPS PREPARE TO DEAL WITH THE MEDIA ADULT 1 - INFORMS Mrs S Towers Headteacher (In absence Teacher in Charge for example: Karen Lewis DHT Tom Huck Child Protection Emma Taylor Mrs Jo Atkinson SAVE ADMINISTER FIRST AID WHERE POSSIBLE ESTABLISH A CONTACT POINT WITH THE EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAVEL WITH CASUALTIES TO HOSPITAL COMPLETE ACCIDENT FORMS ADULT 2 - SAVES First aiders: * Lynda Renton ) Paediatric * Judy Southwell ) First Aiders Wendy Mullenger) Paul Atkinson) Mandy Trevor) *Have completed First Aid at Work Course which enables them to also administer first aid to adults. 9

10 CARE KEEP A RECORD OF WITNESSES KEEP OTHERS INFORMED OF SITUATION ARRANGE FOR NON-CASUALTIES TO EVACUATE SCHOOL (PLAYGROUND) CARE FOR RELATIVES ARRIVING AT SCHOOL CONSIDER RELOCATION TO OTHER PREMISES (CHURCH) REMAIN AVAILABLE TO EMERGENCY SERVICES ADULT 3 - CARES Mrs Sam Towers - Headteacher Pam Bolland Administrator Vicki Veall Finance Manager ASSIST KEEP OTHERS INFORMED OF SITUATION ENSURE MOBILE PHONE IS TAKEN TO NEW ACCOMMODATION. KEEP OFFICE STAFF AWARE OF KNOWN FACTS HELP TO ESTABLISH INCIDENT ROOM ADULT 4 - ASSISTS Karen Lewis -Deputy Headtecher and SLT. MAINTAIN VITAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AT ALL TIMES DO NOT ALLOW PUPILS/STAFF TO TALK TO THE MEDIA UNLESS SENIOR STAFF OR PARENTS HAVE GIVEN PERMISSION LOG SHEETS MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL STAFF INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT 10

11 APPENDIX 1 ACTION CARDS 4 GUIDANCE FOR STAFF ADVERSE WEATHER/LOSS OF ELECTRICITY/WATER INFORM FIRST PERSON ON SITE (USUALLY CARETAKER) WILL CONTACT HEADTEACHER TO REPORT ON THE CONDITION. THE CARETAKER WILL LIAISE WITH UTILITY COMPANIES. HEADTEACHER WILL LIAISE WITH KEY MEMBERS OF STAFF.AN INFORMED DECISION WILL BE MADE HEADTEACHER WILL CASCADE THE NOTICE OF CLOSURE VIA THE STAFF FLOWCHART (SEE BELOW) AND VIA THE TEXTROUND SERVICE ADULT 1 - INFORMS Headteacher School Closure Cascade All staff have the telephone numbers of the people they need to contact. Lincs FM & Radio Lincolnshire will be informed about a school closure via the Txtround service. Sam to phone the highlighted names below: Emma KS2 teachers: (teachers to phone their TA) Jo KS1 teachers: (teachers to phone their TA) Karen FS teachers: (teachers to phone their TA) Pam Kitchen: Sue (Sue to phone kitchen staff), Office: Vicki (Vicki to phone PPA cover) Paul Cleaning staff 11

12 APPENDIX 2 Essential Contact Telephone Numbers This information should be regularly checked and updated accordingly. (See Staff Contact Sheet for telephone numbers) CRITICAL INCIDENT TEAM: Mrs Sam Towers Headteacher/Child Protection Tom Huck Child Protection Karen Lewis Deputy Headteacher Pete Watson Chairman of the Governors Water Anglian Water: Electricity EON/Central Networks LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ELO/Senior Officer 999 School Services Manager David Robinson (Office hours) Head of School Administration John O Connor (Office hours) Director s Office Peter Duxbury (Office hours) Emergency Department Pilgrim Hospital School Services Manager would make contact with the following: Communications Team Education Psychology Health and Safety Helpline Transport Services Group Mouchel Premises Advisory 12

13 24hour helpdesk Emergency Planning Officer (Office hours) Employee Support Counsellor Service LOCAL SERVICES AND ORGANISATIONS Lincolnshire Centre for Grief & Loss 27 Tentercroft Street Lincoln LN5 7DB Tel: Fax: NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS CRUSE - Bereavement Care Phone: (national rate) Website: (a site for young people) Telephone counselling service for those who are bereaved and those who care for bereaved people. Can offer referrals to local Cruse branches and other bereavement and counselling services throughout the UK The Compassionate Friends Phone: (national rates) Support for bereaved parents who have lost a child of any age from any circumstances Winston's Wish Family Line Phone: (local rates) Website: www. winstonswish.org.uk Information and guidance for families of bereaved children. Can provide contact details for local groups which support bereaved children Child Bereavement Trust Phone: (local rates) Information line for parents who have been bereaved. Support packs and is also available training for schools The Samaritans Phone: (local rates) Website: Confidential emotional support for anyone in a crisis Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Phone: Can provide details of local self help groups for those bereaved by suicide Childline Phone: (free phone) National help line for children British Red Cross National Office 13

14 Advice on memorials and donations 9 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EJ Phone: National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children Phone:

15 APPENDIX 3 BUTTERWICK PRIMARY SCHOOL INCIDENT INFORMATION FORM (Information required to establish school needs) The following information may be asked for dependant on the nature of the incident. NAME OF SCHOOL BUTTERWICK C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL SITE OF INCIDENT ATTENDANCE AT MEETING.. TIME OF INCIDENT... NATURE OF INCIDENT.. NUMBERS INVOLVED ages.. ARE ANY PEOPLE INJURED?. EXTENT OF INJURIES low; serious.. WHAT ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN SO FAR? HAVE EMERGENCY SERVICES BEEN INFORMED? YES NO ARE THEY ON SITE? YES NO WHAT HELP DO YOU NEED?. 15

16 ARE THERE ANY ACCESS DIFFICULTIES? Date and time received: Date: Time: Officer receiving information.. 16

17 APPENDIX 4 BUTTERWICK PRIMARY SCHOOL CRITICAL INCIDENT PLAN LOG SHEET Log sheets must be completed by all staff involved in an incident Completed log sheets will: Assist in maintaining a true picture of the unfolding events Assist in providing information for any inquiry which may follow an incident Your name Your job title... Name of worksite. Time Message: from/to Message Detail Action decision/reason APPENDIX 5 17

18 POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AFFECTS ON STAFF & PUPILS The following list some of the indicators associated with PTSD. Staff should be vigilant in identifying any pupil who shows signs of this condition during an incident. Reception Class Crying Thumb sucking Loss of bowel/bladder control Fears of being left alone; of strangers Irritability Confusion Clinging Immobility 6-11 Years Headaches, other physical complaints Depression Fears about weather, safety Confusion Loss of ability to concentrate Poor performance Fighting Withdrawal from peers Vulnerability Factors Disasters and distressing events often revive previous trauma and so create a multiple stress effect. Abuse can lead to PTSD. Therefore a child who has been physically or sexually abused is at a greater risk of developing PTSD as a result of a traumatic incident. Children with previous emotional difficulties or pre-existing psychiatric disorders are vulnerable in the event of a traumatic incident. Children with special needs may suffer more negative effects whilst high academic ability seems to be a protective factor against developing PTSD. Children able to use existing support systems are less vulnerable. The most confident and socially skilled individuals are less at risk. Research on gender differences does not present clear conclusions but girls appear more ready to talk about their experiences. 18