Fire Safety and Lockdown Procedures

Part A: Fire Safety

1. Introduction

The School is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of all pupils, staff, visitors, and contractors. This policy is written in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Department for Education guidance, and relevant UK statutory requirements.

The School's priority is to minimise risk to life and reduce injury by maintaining effective fire prevention, preparedness, and evacuation procedures.

2. Fire Safety Management and Responsibilities

The Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the Head of Campus & Services, acting on behalf of the Proprietor/Governing Body.

• The Responsible Person has overall responsibility for fire safety arrangements, compliance, and coordination.
• The Governing Body/Proprietor ensures that statutory fire safety obligations are met and receives regular reports on fire safety compliance.
• Fire risk assessments are maintained, documented, and reviewed regularly, and immediately following any significant change to the premises, staffing, or procedures.
• Fire detection, alarm, emergency lighting, and fire-fighting equipment are inspected, tested, and maintained in line with statutory and manufacturer requirements.
• Fire drills are conducted at least once per term (a minimum of three per academic year).
• At least one fire drill per academic year is unannounced.
• Fire drills are recorded, evaluated, and any identified issues are addressed promptly.
• Additional drills will be undertaken following significant changes to the site, staffing, pupil needs, or procedures.
• Fire safety training is provided to all staff on induction and refreshed annually.

3. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are in place for any pupil, member of staff, or visitor who requires additional support to evacuate safely.

PEEPs are developed, reviewed regularly, and communicated to relevant staff.

4. Fire Procedures

4.1 On Discovering a Fire

• Raise the alarm immediately using the nearest manual call point.
• Evacuate the building via the nearest safe exit.
• Do not attempt to fight the fire unless trained to do so and it is safe.

4.2 On Hearing the Fire Alarm

• Evacuate immediately.
• Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
• Do not use lifts.
• Close doors where safe to do so.
• Proceed calmly and quickly to the designated assembly point.
• Teachers and staff take registers and report attendance to the designated senior leader.
• Visitors and contractors must follow staff instructions and evacuation procedures.
• No re-entry to buildings is permitted until authorised by the Responsible Person or the emergency services.

Part B: Lockdown Procedures

5. Purpose

The purpose of this section is to outline procedures designed to protect pupils, staff, and visitors in the event of a serious security threat or other incident requiring the School to secure the site.

6. Lockdown Activation

• Lockdown will be initiated via a distinct lockdown signal.
• All site access points will be secured immediately.
• Emergency services may take control of the situation where appropriate.

7. Lockdown Procedures – Indoors

• Remain calm and quiet.
• Move immediately to the nearest secure room.
• Lock doors, turn off lights, and close blinds.
• Stay out of sight, away from doors and windows.
• Take cover behind solid furniture where possible.
• Remain in place until the all-clear is given.

8. Lockdown Procedures – Outdoors

• Move indoors immediately if it is safe to do so.
• If it is not safe to move indoors, seek cover, remain hidden, and keep quiet.
• Follow staff instructions at all times.

9. Communication and All-Clear

• Only the Academic Director, or a delegated senior leader, in consultation with emergency services where appropriate, may declare the all-clear.
• Fire alarms sounding during a lockdown must be ignored unless explicit instructions are given to evacuate.
• Evacuation will only take place when directed by senior leadership or the emergency services.

10. Post-Incident Actions

• Attendance, welfare, and safeguarding checks are completed as soon as it is safe to do so.
• First aid and pastoral support are provided as required.
• Communication with parents and carers is managed centrally by the School.
• The incident is reviewed by the Board and SLT, with actions recorded and followed up.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually and following any fire, lockdown, or serious security incident.

Policy Owner: Academic Director
Approved by: Governing Body / Proprietor
Next Review: February 2026