Our Policies
Lockdown Policy
In this policy we will consider how best to ensure the safety of children, parents, and staff in the event of a local threat or emergency situation which may result in our setting being placed into a security-related lockdown.
Most of our existing procedures for handling an emergency will involve evacuation of the premises and will be focused on an event happening in our building.
However, in some situations, it is likely that we will be advised to stay put (lockdown) rather than evacuate the premises.
In the event of an incident, ‘lockdown’ of our building is an emergency procedure to secure and protect occupants near an immediate threat.
By controlling movement in an area, emergency services can contain and handle the situation more effectively.
Be prepared
Bumble Bees is in a small village in Kemsing, so we feel the likelihood of an incident happening in our area is low. However, it is important that we make plans should an incident happen which would result in us Locking down
Sevenoaks is our local police station and their telephone number is 01622 690690, this number or 101 could be contacted in a non-emergency. In an emergency we would call 999 and await advice.
With regard to terrorism alert levels we are aware that we can check the current status on the MI5 website.
Our setting will follow any advice for managing emergency situations issued by the Local Authority.
A copy of our lock down policy will be shared with parents to advise them of the actions that we will take in the event of a ‘lockdown’ and what they should do.
All staff are aware of their role during ‘lockdown’.
A text or phone message will be issued to all parents as soon as lockdown is announced, and we are sure the situation is not a false alarm.
The text wording will be or similar to: Due to an incident we have been advised by the emergency services to secure the premises and stay put until we are given the ‘all clear’. Please do not attempt to collect your child until it is safe to do so. We will let you know as soon as we are able when that is likely to be.
In the meantime, we need to keep our telephone lines clear and would appreciate your cooperation in not calling unless it is vital that you speak to us.
Lockdown Procedures
If an emergency happens the setting manager will act quickly to assess the likelihood of immediate danger. In most cases the assumption should be that it is safer to stay put and place the setting into ‘lockdown’ until the emergency services arrive. We will use a whistle to alert staff of fire or in an event of a fire drill. The Manager/Person in charge will shout “Lock down” to alert staff of a full lock down.
As soon as the emergency services arrive it is essential staff always comply with instructions.
Upon alert to lockdown
Stay calm.
Ensure staff and children stay in their designated areas. Stay in the room you are working in, secure all doors and windows and await further instructions.
Close curtains and blinds where possible.
Stay away from windows and doors.
Stay low and keep calm, Our plan would be to go into the 2 small areas with lockable doors We will rehearse this with the children termly and record this accordingly.
Tune into a local TV or radio station for more information.
Do NOT make non-essential calls on mobile phones or landlines.
Be alert
Do NOT open the door once it has been secured until you are officially advised ‘all clear’ or are certain it is emergency services at the door.
Do NOT travel down long corridors.
Do NOT assemble in large open areas.
Do NOT call 999 again unless you have immediate concern for your safety, the safety of others, or feel you have critical information.
Following the lockdown
Co-operate with the emergency services to help in an orderly evacuation.
Ensure you have the Register and children’s details with you.
Any staff or children who have witnessed an attack or incident will need to tell the police what they saw.
The police may require other individuals to remain available for questioning.
Managing parents
In the event of an incident, it is inevitable parents will want to come to the setting and collect their children immediately.
We will discourage them from doing so, until the emergency services give all clear.
Even then, depending on the severity and type of incident, children may need to be checked by medical teams or questioned by the police.
It must be made clear to parents that we will be acting on the advice of the emergency services at all times.
Regarding getting information to parents during ‘lockdown’, We will use the existing systems you have in place for sending group messages, such as social media, text, emails. We will discourage parents from ringing us directly for further updates during ‘lockdown’; it will be vital your phone lines remain clear.
Threat levels
Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
LOW means an attack is unlikely.
MODERATE means an attack is possible but not likely.
SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is a strong possibility.
SEVERE means an attack is highly likely.
CRITICAL means an attack is expected imminently.
Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.
For non-emergency calls to the police, call 101.
Updated December 2023.