Rapid checklist for headteachers

Action will depend on the nature of the incident.

Ensure a full log is kept of all actions taken as they happen as well as information received.

• Ensure that all staff and pupils are in a place of safety and security
• Have emergency services been called?
  • fire
  • police
  • ambulance
• Inform the LA Children’s Service Designated Officer or, in his/her absence, one of the Schools Service Directorate Team. This should trigger Council Services (see section two)
• Ensure that all staff and pupils are accounted for
• Inform the Chair of Governors and other governors as soon as possible
• Set up a critical incident support team
• Seek urgent advice from Ealing Council Communications unit and arrange who will deal with the media, give interviews and prepare press statements
• Arrange how parents will be contacted
• Ensure that there are suitable phones available for outgoing calls e.g. exdirectory or mobile
• Decide if there is a need to contact community or religious leaders
• Decide if counselling support is needed
• Consider, as soon as possible, a schedule for recovery
• Ensure that there is constant and consistent communication with staff
• Consider arrangements for school meals
• Consider whether transport arrangements need to be altered
• If appropriate, determine the funeral arrangements and decide which staff and pupils will attend

Schools critical incident flowchart
Flowchart for schools to use as an aid to assist in the management of a critical incident.