Procedure in the event of Terrorist Attack or National Emergency

PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF A TERRORIST

At Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery, the safety, care and emotional well-being of every child is our top priority. While the risk of a terrorist attack or national emergency is low, we have a clear plan in place to ensure a swift and effective response in the unlikely event of such an incident.

This policy outlines the steps the nursery will take to protect children and staff during a major incident, including terrorist activity, national disasters, or other critical emergencies.

Aims of the Policy

To protect children, staff and visitors from immediate harm.
To maintain a calm, controlled environment during an emergency.
To work in cooperation with emergency services and follow official guidance.
To ensure ongoing communication with parents/carers as safely and practically as possible.
To minimise trauma and distress for children during and after any incident.

General Principles

The nursery will always follow guidance from emergency services, the local authority, and national threat level updates from www.mi5.gov.uk/threat-levels.
Children will be protected from exposure to distressing media coverage.
Staff are trained to manage emergencies with calm professionalism and provide comfort and reassurance to children.

Types of Emergency Situations Covered

Terrorist attack or nearby active threat
Civil unrest or violent incidents near the setting
Hazardous chemical release
Natural disasters (e.g. flooding, severe storms)
Infrastructure failure (e.g. transport lockdown or prolonged power outage)

Lockdown Procedure

In the event that it is safer to remain inside than to evacuate, a lockdown will be initiated. Lockdown procedures are designed to secure the nursery and keep children and staff protected while allowing emergency services to respond to the situation.

During Lockdown:

All children and staff will remain indoors in their designated safe areas.
All external doors and windows will be locked and secured.
Curtains and blinds will be drawn to block visibility from outside.
Children and staff will stay away from doors and windows.
Staff will maintain calm and keep children occupied with quiet, age-appropriate activities.
Children will be continuously reassured and given basic, child-friendly explanations.
Staff will monitor local radio, TV, or trusted online sources for updates.

Communication:

Parents/carers will be contacted as soon as it is safe to do so via phone, app, or email.
If communication systems are down, we will continue caring for the children until contact can be re-established or collection is possible.
In extreme situations, this may involve overnight care, with full cooperation from Social Services and safeguarding authorities.

Evacuation Procedure

If advised by emergency services or if the premises become unsafe (e.g., fire, gas leak, structural risk), we will evacuate the building using our standard fire evacuation procedures.

Children will be moved to the designated emergency assembly point or alternative safe location as required. Parents will be notified as soon as it is safe and possible.

Practising Emergency Procedures

To ensure preparedness:

Lockdown and evacuation drills will be practised termly and recorded.
Children will be taught simple, age-appropriate instructions (e.g., “stay low,” “be quiet,” “follow your teacher”).
Drills will be carried out in a calm and reassuring manner, similar to fire drills, to avoid creating fear or anxiety.

After the Incident

Parents/carers will receive a full update.
Support will be offered to children, staff, and families who may have experienced trauma.
The incident will be reviewed internally, and policies adjusted if necessary.
Any necessary safeguarding notifications will be made.

Policy Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to a major incident, change in guidance, or updated risk assessment.

Policy reviewed by Brittany V – Manager – 09/06/2025