Unauthorised Person on Site

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These procedures must be followed if an individual enters the premises without authorisation and is known to pose a risk to children or becomes aggressive or violent whilst on site.

• If the individual enters via the main entrance and a senior member of staff is present in the office, another staff member must initiate the procedures outlined below.

• If a non-senior staff member is managing the situation, a senior member of staff must attend immediately to assist, allowing the staff member to return to the nursery room.

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Initial Response

If you are the first point of contact:

1. Remain calm and professional.

2. Ask how you can assist.

3. Inform the individual that they do not have permission to be on the premises and politely request that they leave.

4. If they refuse to leave, inform them that the police will be contacted.

5. If the individual still refuses to leave, implement the whistle/lockdown procedure immediately.

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Whistle Blown / Lockdown Procedure

The lockdown procedure will be implemented where the safety of children and staff is at risk. During lockdown:

• All persons must remain inside the building.

• Doors and windows must be locked.

• Blinds or curtains must be drawn where possible.

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Circumstances That May Require Lockdown

Lockdown may be activated in response to, but not limited to:

• A reported incident or disturbance in the local community posing a risk to the nursery.

• An intruder on site.

• A warning relating to environmental hazards (e.g., air pollution, smoke plume, gas cloud).

• A major fire or explosion in the vicinity.

• An email threat – bomb ect.

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If remaining on the premises is safer than evacuation, management will notify staff accordingly. The severity and response will depend on the specific circumstances.

 

Evacuation Points

If evacuation is required, the designated safe spaces are:

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South Molton Setting
Studio Active,

Horsepond Meadow,

South Molton

EX36 4EJ                  

Tel: 07966 484922

 

Barnstaple Setting
Table Table, Barum Gate,

Whiddon Valley,

Barnstaple

EX32 8RY            

Tel: 01271 325398

 

If the nursery is in immediate danger due to an intruder, the police must be contacted urgently using a mobile phone or the kitchen phone. Where alerts are received from police or the local authority, the nursery will await further instructions.

The manager will issue the internal “all clear” once confirmation has been received from external authorities.

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Whistle Procedure

Whistles are located at the entrance to each room.

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If a Whistle Is Blown:

1. Raise the alarm – three short, sharp blasts.

2. A senior member of staff should immediately attend and assess the situation.

3. Remain calm and follow instructions. Do not provoke the individual.

4. Contact the police if required and/or initiate lockdown.

5. Take appropriate action while awaiting emergency services. Each situation may differ.

6. Contact the second setting to inform them of the situation and prepare for possible lockdown or evacuation.

7. Inform the manager as soon as possible. The manager will assess the risk, determine whether lockdown is required, and contact emergency services as necessary.

   • All children, staff, and visitors must remain in their current room where safe to do so.

   • Ensure no individual is left alone.

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Lockdown Implementation Procedure

If lockdown is initiated:

1. Contact the second setting with an update. The second setting will inform parents:

   • “The lockdown policy has been implemented. Do not travel to the nursery.”

   • If applicable: “Please arrange for someone to collect from the evacuation point as soon as possible.”

 

1. Take registers and a mobile phone to the designated lockdown area where possible.

2. Gather children and seat them on the floor away from doors and windows. Secure the door from the inside.

3. Designated Lockdown Rooms:

   • South Molton – Adventurers (Block Room)

   • Barnstaple – Sleep Room

4. Turn off lights and barricade the door if possible.

5. Keep children calm, quiet, and engaged in quiet activities.

6. Do not allow anyone to leave the room under any circumstances.

7. Conduct a register/headcount.

8. The manager will ensure all children, staff, and visitors are accounted for and monitor updates.

9. The manager will manage the situation based on the information available.

 

Threat Received by Email or Telephone

If a threat is received:

1. Contact the police immediately using a mobile phone.

2. Notify the second setting. They will inform parents:

   • “The lockdown policy has been implemented. Do not travel to the nursery. Please arrange for collection from the evacuation point as soon as possible.”

3. Evacuate immediately to the nearest safe building if instructed to do so.

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Post-Incident Procedure

Once the situation has been resolved:

• Staff will aim to return to normal practice as soon as possible to minimise distress to the children.

• Parents will be informed at the earliest safe opportunity and updated via email as necessary.

• A detailed incident log will be completed.

• A post-incident evaluation will be conducted to ensure all children and staff were appropriately supported and that procedures were followed effectively.