Lockdown and emergency procedures
Most emergency planning focuses on getting children out of the building, that is your fire evacuation plan. But some situations call for the opposite: keeping children inside, safe, and secure.
This is called an invacuation or lockdown procedure. It covers what you do if there is a threat in the area outside your setting that makes leaving unsafe.
What the EYFS requires
The EYFS requires a written emergency evacuation procedure and written risk assessments for your setting. While a lockdown policy is not separately named, childminders are expected to plan for a range of emergencies. Your emergency procedures should be included in your risk assessment and shared with parents.
What to include in your lockdown procedure
A written lockdown procedure should cover:
Who decides that a lockdown is needed
How you secure the premises, such as locking doors, keeping children away from windows and exterior doors
Where within your home children should go
How you communicate with parents during the incident
Emergency contact lists and how to access them without opening the door
When and how to contact the police (999)
How you confirm the lockdown is over and children can move freely again
Practical steps to prepare
Identify the safest areas in your home, interior rooms away from windows and external doors.
Keep an up-to-date paper list of emergency contacts for all children somewhere accessible (not only in the app).
Make sure you can contact parents without needing to answer the front door.
Practise calm safety drills with children, these can be done as a quiet game.
Include your lockdown procedure in your parent information pack so families know it exists.
Your fire evacuation plan
This is separate from lockdown. A written Emergency Evacuation Plan is a tiney-required policy that must be submitted for review. Practise fire drills with children regularly and record the date and outcome of each one.