Emergency Closure Policy
Staff involvement
This policy was drawn up in the consultation with the Head Teacher of Taynuilt Primary School and the staff of Taynuilt Pre 5 Unit.
Rationale
The safety and well being of children, staff and any other adults involved is of paramount importance. Premises can be closed in emergencies for a variety of reasons, most which cannot be foreseen. In these circumstances an effective communications network with parents and staff should be maintained.
Aims
- To ensure mutual trust between parents and providers so that emergency situations can be tackled in partnership.
- To ensure decisions regarding closures should wherever possible be consistent with other similar provision in the local area.
- To ensure that parents/carers are aware that in severe weather conditions parents should be able to keep their children at home if they have any safety concerns whatsoever.
- To ensure that staff well being both in travelling to/from the centre is maintained.
- To ensure that emergency evacuation procedures are in place.
- To make staff aware of the emergency closure procedures and protocols to follow.
Procedures
As staff we will:
- Ensure that detailed arrangements for all the emergency closure of the premises are publicised and made available to all parents.
- Ensure that emergency contact details including mobile phone numbers are available and maintained.
- Network with other centres to ensure that within our local area this consistent approach is taken.
- Ensure that our handbook clearly outlines the procedures and the decision making process for emergency closures.
- Recognise that we will have to remain on the premises until parents/carers collect the children.
- Take into consideration a number of factors when making the decision to travel to/from premises including weather forecast, traffic advice and mode of transport to be used.
- Consider, agree and record alternative work locations with other suitable premises.
- Locate premises for use in the event of evacuation.
- Ensure all staff, parents and carers are aware of the evacuation procedures of the centre.
If there is a power cut when the children are present in preschool staff will:
- Contact the children’s parents/carers and ask them to collect their child.
- Failing to contact the children’s parents, staff will phone the children’s emergency contacts.
- All staff have a full list of the children’s contact details.
- Make sure all the children are safe and reassured and will supervise them until all the children have been collected.
If there is no power first thing in the morning:
- Many parents/carers will already be aware of this as they live locally.
- The Childcare and Education Worker will phone all parents/carers to make them aware of the power cut and to inform them that the establishment will be closed for that day.
- All staff have a full list of staff phone numbers and contact details for the children.
- The Head Teacher will be informed of any power cuts.
If the road is blocked or closed in either direction for the morning/day:
- The Childcare and Education Worker will inform the Head Teacher and the Pre 5 Classroom Assistant.
- If the Primary School is staying open all day the Pre 5 Staff will phone the children’s parents and ask them to bring their children to the primary school for the morning.
- In some cases if the pre 5 classroom assistant is unable to attend, the clerical assistant at the primary school will be asked to step in.
. Monitoring and Review
It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher along with the Pre 5 staff to monitor, evaluate and review the above arrangements and effectiveness of this policy and adjust them according to need.
