Schools, early years and childcare

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 staff intranet 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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