At Activate Learning, we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously, and from time to time we need to review our procedures, even for those events that are very unlikely to occur.
Throughout the year, we conduct various safety drills, such as fire drills, so that all students and staff know what to do in case an emergency does happen.
Just as with our fire drills, another thing we need to be prepared for is a lockdown of our campuses in case of an emergency. This is where we need everyone to stay inside the college for their own safety, rather than evacuate buildings, and shelter in a secure place of safety.
We wanted to make you aware that we will be holding a practice lockdown drill at Farnham College on Friday 29 November at 10am, so you are prepared and know what to expect when it happens.
Please note that no lockdown alarm will be activated at Farnham College. Instead, students will be notified by staff and a message will appear on PCs notifying them that a lockdown is taking place.
What should I do in a lockdown?
Please watch this video which describes what would happen in a real lockdown and shows you what you should do:
Why might we need a lockdown?
Situations where a lockdown procedure may be used include:
- A potentially dangerous person or animal on the college site
- A dangerous situation in the local community that could affect the college
- A nearby chemical incident or risk of air pollution such as a gas leak or smoke
- An incident related to terrorism
What will happen during the lockdown drill?
- If you are in a lesson, you will be asked to remain in your classroom. Messages will also be displayed on PCs.
- You may be asked to hide, such as under your desk or by a wall away from the door or windows.
- Staff may lock doors, secure windows, and take the register.
- If you are in the corridor, toilet, or communal space such as Recharge, you should move to the nearest secure space or room.
- As this is just a practice, please do not call 999 on this occasion.
- At the end of the drill, students and staff will be notified, and normal routines will resume.
We must stress again that this is simply a practice, so that in the unlikely event of such a situation, everyone is fully prepared and knows what to do.
If you have any concerns about this lockdown drill, please speak to your tutor (or your child’s tutor if you are receiving this as a parent/guardian).
Yours sincerely,
Activate Learning
