After police incident at Leyland primary school, 'lockdown' policy explained

After an incident outside the school gates at St Anne's Primary School in Leyland, staff implemented the school's lockdown policy.

Some of the scenarios that schools are now required to plan for include terrorist attacks, an incident near the school or a threat from an intruder or agrieved parents.

Fortunately, these type of incidents remain very rare, but schools still need to prepare.

1. Identify the likely risks to the school

2. Identify the mitigating measures in place to slow down or prevent access into the school site and buildings

3. Identify any parents or students that might present specific risks; or risks presented by the community, for example, the impact of gangs.

4. Look at how current alert systems can enable different sounds to be given for different events

5. Think about a ‘two stage’ lockdown

6. Consider how these steps can be shared or, if appropriate, practised with pupils without spreading fear or alarm

7. Consider how communication with parents can be made to minimise panic responses