Security lockdown procedures: template and guidance

Last reviewed on 5 October 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
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Keep your school safe in the event of a critical incident. Download our template emergency lockdown plan and adapt it to your school's needs. See examples from other schools.

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Contents

  1. Do we need a security lockdown plan?
  2. Download and adapt our template
  3. Communicate your procedure to pupils and parents/carers
  4. School examples

Do we need a security lockdown plan?

Your school isn't legally required to have a security lockdown procedure or policy.

However, the law requires employers to take steps to reduce or eliminate health and safety-related risks, including security risks. If you're a maintained school, check whether your local authority sets its own requirements. If you're an academy, check your trust's requirements.

You should have a security lockdown plan if you feel it would help you manage risks, or that you're at high risk of a scenario where a lockdown would be needed. This could include:

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