Background

The purpose of an emergency management plan is firstly to allow consideration of various types of emergency and how the school is placed to deal with them, and secondly to give the school community confidence when faced with a crisis.  Although overall accountability lies with the school employer, other senior school managers involved in the day to day running of the school also have responsibility for the health and safety of staff and pupils. Responsibility for fire safety in schools is usually shared between the Governing board and the Headteacher, and also the Local Authority.

The Schools Financial Value Standard states that all schools should ensure they have an appropriate business continuity or disaster recovery plan, including an up-to-date asset register and adequate insurance.

Regulations: All workplaces are required by the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 to have an emergency plan. The plan should include the actions to be taken by staff in the event of a fire, evacuation procedures and arrangements for calling the fire brigade. It is recommended every occupied room has a fire action notice.

Local guidance

Emergencies (SchoolsWeb)

DfE guidance

Emergencies and severe weather

Further National Guidance

HSE faqs (at hse.gov)