Intruder Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

At Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery, the safety and security of all children, staff, and visitors is our highest priority. This policy sets out clear procedures to follow in the event of an unauthorised person (intruder) entering the premises, and outlines our lockdown procedures to ensure safety during such incidents.

This policy complements other safeguarding policies, including the Visitors Policy, Arrival and Departure Policy, and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

2. Definition of an Intruder

An intruder is defined as any individual on the premises who has not followed established visitor protocols and whose identity, intent, or presence raises concern. The individual may or may not present an immediate threat.

3. Security Measures in Place

To prevent unauthorised access:

• CCTV monitors all main entrances and exits.

• A secondary internal security door forms a “sterile zone” before access to nursery rooms.

• The main entrance is controlled via video intercom, and identity verification is mandatory for all unknown or unannounced visitors.

• All visitors must sign in and out via the visitor tablet (Romford) or book (Ongar).

• Staff photographs are displayed at reception to identify authorised personnel.

• Coded keypads are fitted on main entrances (Ongar).

• Outdoor doors are operated using staff key fobs.

• Staff are trained in using a discreet code word or phrase to alert colleagues during a security incident.

4. General Safeguarding Measures

• Each room has access to a fully charged nursery mobile phone with all emergency contact numbers pre-saved (e.g., 999, Ofsted, DSLs).

• All staff, students, and volunteers hold an enhanced DBS clearance.

• Children are always supervised and never left unattended.

• The nursery layout ensures staff are always within visual contact of each other.

• At least two staff members are always present when children are on-site.

• Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for both indoor and outdoor areas and off-site activities.

• All staff hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate.

5. Intruder Procedure (Unarmed)

If an unauthorised person is observed on the premises:

1. Approach the person only if it is safe to do so. Calmly ask for:

   • Their name

   • Reason for visit

   • Identification

2. Alert a manager or senior staff member immediately.

3. Keep children safe, engaged, and as unaware as possible.

4. If the individual refuses to leave or becomes agitated:

   • Use the agreed code word/phrase to alert other staff.

   • Call 999 discreetly using the nursery mobile phone.

   • Gather children and proceed to the designated secure area.

   • Lock internal doors using available bolts or locks.

   • Bring the register and mobile phone.

5. Remain in lockdown until police arrive and confirm safety.

6. Do not attempt to physically detain the person.

7. If the individual leaves before police arrive, do not pursue them. Report full details to the authorities.

6. Intruder Procedure (Armed or Aggressive)

If the intruder appears to be armed or extremely threatening:

1. Do not approach the individual.

2. Activate the lockdown code to alert staff.

3. Call 999 immediately. If speech is not possible:

   • Make any sound (e.g., cough).

   • If still unable to speak, press 55 when prompted — this is the Silent Solution protocol used by UK emergency services.

4. Move children and staff into the secure area:

   • Lock or block access to the room.

   • Keep children calm and quiet.

   • Avoid drawing attention to the group.

5. Once police arrive:

   • Provide detailed information (description, location, behaviour, and any weapon).

   • Follow police instructions at all times.

6. Do not leave the secure area until cleared by emergency services.

7. Communication After the Incident

Once the situation is resolved:

• Contact parents/carers of all children to inform them of the incident, ensuring accuracy and reassurance.

• Log the incident thoroughly in the nursery records.

• All staff involved must provide a written account of the event.

• The incident will be reviewed, and security protocols updated as necessary.

• Ofsted must be notified in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• All communications will adhere to data protection and confidentiality policies.

8. Staff Training

• All staff are trained annually on lockdown procedures and intruder response as part of ongoing safeguarding training.

• Staff are familiar with the Silent Solutions 999 protocol.

• The emergency code word/phrase is known and practised through drills.

• Fire and lockdown drills are conducted at least once per term and logged.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or immediately after an incident or change in national/local security guidance.

Reviewed by: Brittany V – Manager – 27/05/2025