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Managing critical incidents in school
The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) has been asked to take
a lead role in supporting schools dealing with these unusual
events. Critical incidents are experiences that are unexpected and
create a sense of shock and disbelief. They often involve the death
or serious injury of someone well known to parts of the school
community. In these situations it can be difficult for senior
managers to make considered decisions about how to manage the
impact of the incident on the school community (staff, pupils and
parents).
The EPS has produced a policy for schools called Managing
Critical Incidents. There is a copy kept in all Medway local
authority schools and an electronic copy is on the Medway School Forums website. Copies can also be
requested directly from the EPS (see contact details below).
The policy provides a flow diagram on yellow paper of the key
management points to be considered. This is expanded in a
step-by-step outline to inform key people so they can be prepared
as early as possible and the needs of the school community can be
sensitively and appropriately addressed.
The policy includes tasks for the senior management team to
undertake and provides a suggested outline for teachers who may be
asked to talk to classes about what has happened. It provides notes
on common experiences relevant to how groups of people respond to
challenges during periods of uncertainty. It also gives information
to be considered as future events unfold. There is a summary of
children’s reactions to grief and how to support children
individually, as well as giving a book list of relevant
resources.
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