Introduction:
The existing Critical Incident Management Plan of St Patrick’s NS Clonbullogue was reviewed during February 2017, in the context of staff changes in the school and the publication of an updated version of Responding to Critical Incidents – NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools in 2016. This plan was reviewed by the staff at a Croke Park hour during November 2022, in response to the NEPS online course ‘Responding to Critical Incidents in Schools’, and minor amendments made.
Rationale:
We in St Patrick’s NS intend that the implementation of this policy will allow us to cope effectively, react quickly and maintain a sense of control should a critical incident occur in the school community. We hope that this will help to limit in so far as possible the negative effects on pupils and staff.
Relationship to the characteristic spirit of the school:
St Patrick’s NS is committed to the provision of a safe, compassionate and supportive environment for all members of the school community. It is hoped that all pupils, parents and staff will benefit from their association with the school.
Aims:
It is anticipated that the implementation of this policy will:
Creation of a coping, supportive and caring ethos in the school:
All staff in the school are aware of the importance of, and work towards, the creation of a psychologically and physically safe environment for all members of the school community, particularly the most vulnerable.
The SPHE programme is used as a means to address issues such as grief and loss, communication skills, self-esteem and coping skills, bearing in mind the age and circumstances of the children in each class, and at the discretion of the class teacher. All suitable efforts are made (particularly in the senior classes) to reduce the stigma that may be associated with mental health issues, and appropriate language and attitudes are modelled by staff members at all times. Where necessary the development of these skills may be addressed by SEN teachers. See for reference SPHE Policy, Wellbeing Policy, Vision Statement.
The school places a high priority on the maintenance of a physically safe environment, in which efforts all members of the school community are expected to play a part. See for reference Code of Behaviour, Anti-bullying policy, Health and Safety statement, Supervision statement of practice etc.
Everyone in the school community is expected to adhere to the Children First, Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures, and make all efforts to support and protect children who may be at risk, from whatever source or cause. The school and its staff are committed to co-operating with all relevant external agencies in the best interests of child protection.
Information relating to staff supports such as the Employee Assistance Service (1800 411 057, [email protected]), the Medmark Occupational Health Service, and continuing professional development relating to health and well-being, is accessible to all staff. Where a need is identified, the school is willing to facilitate the provision of staff training and resources in this area. All relevant correspondence is shared with staff and/or parents.
St Patrick’s NS is committed to the maintenance of a pleasant and friendly work environment for all staff members.
Definition of a critical incident:
As defined in Responding to Critical Incidents – Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools, NEPS, 2016, p.16 a critical incident is ‘ any incident or sequence of events which overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of the school’.
Such critical incidents may include the death or serious illness of a member of the school community, the bereavement of a pupil or staff member, a road or other accident arising during a school outing, a disturbing incident in the village that would affect the pupils or staff, a fire or other frightening event in the school building etc.
Creation of a critical incident management team:
The Critical Incident Management Team consists of the principal and deputy principal. Should a critical incident occur, the principal/ deputy principal will assign tasks as appropriate to staff members and/or members of the Board of Management, paying due consideration to everyone’s personal circumstances and capabilities. The importance of the support and input provided by all members of the school community, (Board of Management, teachers, ancillary staff, parents, pupils etc.) should a critical incident arise, is acknowledged.
Such tasks/roles as may be assigned include those of: Team leader, Administrator, Liaison with support agencies, Garda Liaison, Staff Liaison, Parent/guardian liaison, Community Liaison, Media Liaison, Administrator etc. See Responding to Critical Incidents – NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools, pp.81-85 for details. Where possible the class teacher will act as Student Liaison for their own class, and class teachers are likely to be best placed to liaise with the parents of their own class group also.
There will be an annual reminder of the critical incident procedures at the beginning of each school year, and the team/whole staff (as appropriate) will meet regularly on an informal basis should a critical incident arise.
Goals of the Critical Incident Management Team:
Considerations should a Critical Incident arise
Support and advice will be sought from the Board of Management, NEPS, INTO, CPSMA, IPPN, HSE, Allianz, Gardaí, Inspectorate, Tusla, Community groups, Parish, or other agencies as deemed appropriate, depending on the circumstances of the critical incident.
Refer to Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, pp. 20-32 for advice on the short term, medium term, and long-term actions that may be required following a critical incident.
Should the school need to be evacuated, we will follow the fire drill procedures. Teachers are expected to protect children in as far as possible from any upsetting sights or sounds.
Refer to the Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, Guidelines pp. 32-43 for recommendations on particular issues that need to be addressed in the event of a suicide/suspected suicide, road traffic accident or violent death. While a critical incident will create difficulties for all members of the school community, we are conscious of the problems it may create for those of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, who may not have access to the same support systems as others in the community. We will endeavour to ensure that our support respects cultural or religious sensitivities.
We have a policy of making no comment to the media, unless specifically authorised to do by the Board of Management, and in consultation with the family affected, if appropriate/feasible. If necessary queries will be referred to the local gardaí. Only people authorised to do so by the Board of Management may speak on behalf of the school, and staff and Board members will be reminded to bear this in mind if making comments publicly/on social media etc., and to exercise caution in this regard.
Administrative Tasks:
Contact numbers
Parents are required to furnish the school with accurate and up-to-date phone numbers and contact addresses, including emergency contacts. A list of parental contact details is displayed in the school office.
The school principal and secretary have contact details for all staff members. A list of staff members’ next of kin is stored in each staff member’s file.
Emergency/frequently used numbers are displayed in the school office.
Resources
Refer to Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, pp. 54-55 for samples of letters to parents etc. that may be adapted to suit the needs of the school. The NEPS List of useful resources is attached as an appendix to this plan for reference, although it is more useful in soft copy version due to its hyperlinks.
Depending on the nature of the critical incident, the staff room, office, principal’s office, resource room or school hall may be used as a critical incident room.
Information for school trips/outings
See school trips statement of practice for details.
Each class teacher is responsible for their own class, and bringing all necessary supplies, phone numbers etc. The most senior teacher on the trip takes overall responsibility for co-ordination of supervision etc. and contacting the principal once the children have been safely returned to the care of their parents.
Record keeping
See Data Protection / Record keeping policy for details.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure the class teacher is kept updated of all relevant changes to medical conditions, childminding arrangements etc.
Class teachers or the principal ensure that all substitute teachers/SNAs are provided with essential information relating to pupil’s health etc.
The compilation of a record of a critical incident that happens during school-time or on the school premises is the responsibility of the supervising teacher at the time of the incident. It will be the responsibility of the principal to keep these records in a secure location until the child/children involved have reached the age of twenty-one (or beyond depending on the circumstances). Access will be granted at the discretion of the principal, depending on the nature of the material.
Communication and availability of plan
The plan is readily accessible to all members of staff. All staff will make every effort to ensure that all new and temporary staff know what to do and are supported in the handling of any critical incidents that may arise. We endeavour to provide a safe atmosphere in which people feel comfortable asking for clarification or advice.
The plan is available to all members of the school community via the school website.
Implementation and review date.
This policy reflects the practice that has been ongoing in St Patrick’s NS for the past number of years. Unless circumstances and experience dictate otherwise, it is envisaged that it will be reviewed during the school year 2027/28.
Ratification
This reviewed policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 12/12/2022.
Signed:
Fr Sean Hyland, (Chairperson, BOM)
Brigid Bennett (Principal)
The existing Critical Incident Management Plan of St Patrick’s NS Clonbullogue was reviewed during February 2017, in the context of staff changes in the school and the publication of an updated version of Responding to Critical Incidents – NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools in 2016. This plan was reviewed by the staff at a Croke Park hour during November 2022, in response to the NEPS online course ‘Responding to Critical Incidents in Schools’, and minor amendments made.
Rationale:
We in St Patrick’s NS intend that the implementation of this policy will allow us to cope effectively, react quickly and maintain a sense of control should a critical incident occur in the school community. We hope that this will help to limit in so far as possible the negative effects on pupils and staff.
Relationship to the characteristic spirit of the school:
St Patrick’s NS is committed to the provision of a safe, compassionate and supportive environment for all members of the school community. It is hoped that all pupils, parents and staff will benefit from their association with the school.
Aims:
It is anticipated that the implementation of this policy will:
- Further support the encouraging, sympathetic and caring ethos that exists in the school
- Define what we mean by the term ‘critical incident’
- Establish a critical incident management team
- Raise awareness of the procedures outlined and resources provided in Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016.
Creation of a coping, supportive and caring ethos in the school:
All staff in the school are aware of the importance of, and work towards, the creation of a psychologically and physically safe environment for all members of the school community, particularly the most vulnerable.
The SPHE programme is used as a means to address issues such as grief and loss, communication skills, self-esteem and coping skills, bearing in mind the age and circumstances of the children in each class, and at the discretion of the class teacher. All suitable efforts are made (particularly in the senior classes) to reduce the stigma that may be associated with mental health issues, and appropriate language and attitudes are modelled by staff members at all times. Where necessary the development of these skills may be addressed by SEN teachers. See for reference SPHE Policy, Wellbeing Policy, Vision Statement.
The school places a high priority on the maintenance of a physically safe environment, in which efforts all members of the school community are expected to play a part. See for reference Code of Behaviour, Anti-bullying policy, Health and Safety statement, Supervision statement of practice etc.
Everyone in the school community is expected to adhere to the Children First, Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures, and make all efforts to support and protect children who may be at risk, from whatever source or cause. The school and its staff are committed to co-operating with all relevant external agencies in the best interests of child protection.
Information relating to staff supports such as the Employee Assistance Service (1800 411 057, [email protected]), the Medmark Occupational Health Service, and continuing professional development relating to health and well-being, is accessible to all staff. Where a need is identified, the school is willing to facilitate the provision of staff training and resources in this area. All relevant correspondence is shared with staff and/or parents.
St Patrick’s NS is committed to the maintenance of a pleasant and friendly work environment for all staff members.
Definition of a critical incident:
As defined in Responding to Critical Incidents – Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools, NEPS, 2016, p.16 a critical incident is ‘ any incident or sequence of events which overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of the school’.
Such critical incidents may include the death or serious illness of a member of the school community, the bereavement of a pupil or staff member, a road or other accident arising during a school outing, a disturbing incident in the village that would affect the pupils or staff, a fire or other frightening event in the school building etc.
Creation of a critical incident management team:
The Critical Incident Management Team consists of the principal and deputy principal. Should a critical incident occur, the principal/ deputy principal will assign tasks as appropriate to staff members and/or members of the Board of Management, paying due consideration to everyone’s personal circumstances and capabilities. The importance of the support and input provided by all members of the school community, (Board of Management, teachers, ancillary staff, parents, pupils etc.) should a critical incident arise, is acknowledged.
Such tasks/roles as may be assigned include those of: Team leader, Administrator, Liaison with support agencies, Garda Liaison, Staff Liaison, Parent/guardian liaison, Community Liaison, Media Liaison, Administrator etc. See Responding to Critical Incidents – NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials for Schools, pp.81-85 for details. Where possible the class teacher will act as Student Liaison for their own class, and class teachers are likely to be best placed to liaise with the parents of their own class group also.
There will be an annual reminder of the critical incident procedures at the beginning of each school year, and the team/whole staff (as appropriate) will meet regularly on an informal basis should a critical incident arise.
Goals of the Critical Incident Management Team:
- To return the school to the pre-incident, normal state as soon as possible;
- To reduce the immediate and long-term detrimental impact on students, teachers and families in so far as practical.
Considerations should a Critical Incident arise
Support and advice will be sought from the Board of Management, NEPS, INTO, CPSMA, IPPN, HSE, Allianz, Gardaí, Inspectorate, Tusla, Community groups, Parish, or other agencies as deemed appropriate, depending on the circumstances of the critical incident.
Refer to Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, pp. 20-32 for advice on the short term, medium term, and long-term actions that may be required following a critical incident.
Should the school need to be evacuated, we will follow the fire drill procedures. Teachers are expected to protect children in as far as possible from any upsetting sights or sounds.
Refer to the Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, Guidelines pp. 32-43 for recommendations on particular issues that need to be addressed in the event of a suicide/suspected suicide, road traffic accident or violent death. While a critical incident will create difficulties for all members of the school community, we are conscious of the problems it may create for those of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, who may not have access to the same support systems as others in the community. We will endeavour to ensure that our support respects cultural or religious sensitivities.
We have a policy of making no comment to the media, unless specifically authorised to do by the Board of Management, and in consultation with the family affected, if appropriate/feasible. If necessary queries will be referred to the local gardaí. Only people authorised to do so by the Board of Management may speak on behalf of the school, and staff and Board members will be reminded to bear this in mind if making comments publicly/on social media etc., and to exercise caution in this regard.
Administrative Tasks:
Contact numbers
Parents are required to furnish the school with accurate and up-to-date phone numbers and contact addresses, including emergency contacts. A list of parental contact details is displayed in the school office.
The school principal and secretary have contact details for all staff members. A list of staff members’ next of kin is stored in each staff member’s file.
Emergency/frequently used numbers are displayed in the school office.
Resources
Refer to Responding to Critical Incidents, NEPS Guidelines and Resource Materials 2016, pp. 54-55 for samples of letters to parents etc. that may be adapted to suit the needs of the school. The NEPS List of useful resources is attached as an appendix to this plan for reference, although it is more useful in soft copy version due to its hyperlinks.
Depending on the nature of the critical incident, the staff room, office, principal’s office, resource room or school hall may be used as a critical incident room.
Information for school trips/outings
See school trips statement of practice for details.
Each class teacher is responsible for their own class, and bringing all necessary supplies, phone numbers etc. The most senior teacher on the trip takes overall responsibility for co-ordination of supervision etc. and contacting the principal once the children have been safely returned to the care of their parents.
Record keeping
See Data Protection / Record keeping policy for details.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure the class teacher is kept updated of all relevant changes to medical conditions, childminding arrangements etc.
Class teachers or the principal ensure that all substitute teachers/SNAs are provided with essential information relating to pupil’s health etc.
The compilation of a record of a critical incident that happens during school-time or on the school premises is the responsibility of the supervising teacher at the time of the incident. It will be the responsibility of the principal to keep these records in a secure location until the child/children involved have reached the age of twenty-one (or beyond depending on the circumstances). Access will be granted at the discretion of the principal, depending on the nature of the material.
Communication and availability of plan
The plan is readily accessible to all members of staff. All staff will make every effort to ensure that all new and temporary staff know what to do and are supported in the handling of any critical incidents that may arise. We endeavour to provide a safe atmosphere in which people feel comfortable asking for clarification or advice.
The plan is available to all members of the school community via the school website.
Implementation and review date.
This policy reflects the practice that has been ongoing in St Patrick’s NS for the past number of years. Unless circumstances and experience dictate otherwise, it is envisaged that it will be reviewed during the school year 2027/28.
Ratification
This reviewed policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 12/12/2022.
Signed:
Fr Sean Hyland, (Chairperson, BOM)
Brigid Bennett (Principal)