At Shine Bright Nursery the safety and welfare of children, staff, and visitors is our highest priority. This policy sets out clear procedures to follow in the event of a fire, emergency evacuation, or the need for lockdown due to a security threat or incident. These procedures are regularly practiced, reviewed, and shared with all staff.
Aims
- To protect the children and staff in our care from harm during emergency situations.
- To provide clear guidance on how to respond quickly and safely in the event of an evacuation or lockdown.
- To ensure staff are well trained and confident in carrying out emergency procedures.
- To maintain calm and order during potentially distressing situations.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation may be required due to:
- Fire or suspected fire
- Gas leak
- Flooding
- Structural damage
- Bomb threat
- Any other immediate danger
Evacuation Procedure:
Raise the Alarm
- The fire alarm or emergency bell will be sounded to alert everyone on the premises.
- Staff must remain calm and immediately begin evacuation.
Evacuate the Building
- Staff will calmly lead children to the designated assembly point using the nearest safe exit.
- A designated member of staff will collect:
- Attendance registers
- Emergency contact details
- First aid kit
- Mobile phone
Sweep of the Premises
- A senior staff member will conduct a quick check of toilets, nappy changing areas, and side rooms if safe to do so.
Register and Head Count
- Once at the assembly point, staff will take the register to account for all children, staff, and visitors.
- Any missing persons will be reported to emergency services immediately.
Await Instructions
- Staff and children will remain at the assembly point until emergency services declare it safe to return or advise relocation.
Inform Parents
- Parents will be informed via phone or text if the evacuation is prolonged or if children need to be collected from a different location.
Fire Drills
- Fire drills are conducted at least once per term and recorded in the Fire Log.
- All new staff are trained on evacuation procedures as part of induction.
- Children are prepared through calm, age-appropriate explanation and practice.
Lockdown Procedures
Lockdown may be required due to:
- Intruder or threat on or near the premises
- Civil disturbance or dangerous person in the area
- Nearby police incident
- Chemical or environmental hazard
Lockdown Procedure:
Alert Staff
- A lockdown signal (e.g., specific whistle blast, code word, or bell) will be used to indicate a lockdown.
- Staff will stop all activities and act immediately.
Secure the Building
- All external doors and windows will be locked.
- Blinds and curtains will be closed.
- Lights may be switched off if necessary.
- Staff will keep children quiet and calm.
Move to Safe Area
- Children and staff will move to the designated safe room or area, away from doors and windows.
Account for Everyone
- Staff will conduct a register or head count.
- No one will leave or enter the building until it is declared safe by emergency services or senior management.
Communication
- A designated staff member will contact emergency services and follow their instructions.
- Parents will only be notified once it is safe to do so.
After an Emergency
- Once safe, staff will reassure and support children as needed.
- All incidents will be recorded in the Incident Report Log.
- The DSL will review the incident and report to relevant authorities (e.g. Ofsted, local authority) where required.
- A debrief will be held to review the effectiveness of the response and identify improvements.
Roles and Responsibilities
Manager/DSL Room Leaders Nominated Fire
Warden
All Staff Role Responsibility
Ensure all staff are trained and procedures are reviewed regularly
Lead evacuation/lockdown in their rooms, account for all children
Check building is clear and liaise with emergency services
Follow procedures, stay calm, reassure children, and maintain safety
Communication with Parents
- Parents are informed of emergency procedures during the induction period.
- Following a real event, clear communication will be shared explaining the incident and any follow-up actions.
- Parents are reminded not to come to the setting during a lockdown unless instructed to do so.
Monitoring and Review
- This policy is reviewed annually or after any major incident.
- Fire and lockdown drills are recorded and reviewed for improvements.
