INTRODUCTION

 

In the event of a Critical Incident, the School recognises that appropriate infrastructure must be in place to ensure the provision of all necessary support services.

 

This document outlines the management and procedures following for critical incidents so that:

• An effective response is implemented

• Appropriate support and counselling services are available to those affected

• Appropriate information is provided to relevant stakeholders

• The media interface is effectively managed

• Effective evaluation is carried out and procedures implemented to avert a recurrence if possible.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

 

For implementation in response to critical events that affect members of the school community such as:

• Sudden death of a student or staff member while at school or on an excursion

• Serious injury to a student or staff member while at school or on excursion

• Students witnessing serious injury or death

• Natural or other disaster in the community – gas explosion, lightning strike, bomb threat, chemical spill, etc. which affects the school community

• Abduction of a student or staff member

• Children disappearing from the school premises

• Sexual assault by a member of the school community

• Tragedy involving a family in the school community

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RATIONALE

 

Sudden, unexpected critical events affect the entire school community.  The Crisis Management procedures will ensure:

• A supportive, caring response that considers the mental health and well-being of all members of the school community – students, staff and parents

• Return to a normal working environment as soon as possible

• Facilitate the grieving process for staff and students

 

Guiding Principles

 

• Acknowledge the event and its likely impact on the school community

• Establish the known facts about the event

• Consider the needs of the entire school community

• Determine the level of response required

• Co-ordinate the response

• Disseminate careful, controlled and accurate information in a consistent manner

• Maintain stability in the school and ensuring flexibility to cater for the needs of students and staff

• Assess the need to maintain contact with affected family or families

• Utilize outside services appropriately

• Monitor long term needs arising from critical events

  

PREVENTION

 

The School is committed to preventing critical incidents, where possible, using the following strategies:

• Ensuring the school is in order, meaning staff are aware of Supervision responsibilities and WH&S issues, have been trained in Child Protection Policies and Procedures and can address bullying and other anti-social behavior effectively

• Assessing and developing strategies that address vulnerabilities peculiar to the school, such as a fire or pedestrian accident

• Challenging dangerous behaviour

• Establishing links with support agencies 

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PROCEDURES FOR USE IF THE EVENT HAPPENS AT THE SCHOOL OR ON A SCHOOL
AUTHORISED ACTIVITY