Security lockdown procedures: informing parents/carers and pupils

Follow our guidance when discussing emergency lockdown procedures with your pupils, including how to talk to them in an age-appropriate way. Download our template letter to parents/carers.

Last reviewed on 20 March 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 33573
Contents
  1. Talk to pupils both before and after a drill
  2. Be aware of individual pupils and their needs
  3. How to talk to pupils in an age-appropriate way
  4. Reinforce learning with teaching resources
  5. Download our template letter to parents/carers
  6. See examples of letters from schools

Our associate education expert Jonathan Block helped us write this article.

Talk to pupils both before and after a drill

Schedule your lockdown drill to take place soon after you or your staff have spoken to pupils, and reinforce learning by holding drills regularly. DfE guidance recommends you practice the drill at the start of each term.

If you don't already have these, adapt our templates for a security lockdown procedure and an emergency or critical incident plan

Before the drill

Carefully explain what’s going to happen and answer questions pupils may have. Include:

You can do this in an assembly, led by a senior leader or your school’s security lead (read more about this role on page 6 of the DfE's protective