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Whole school community

Managing incidents that have serious impact on individuals and/or the school

Review incidents and implement improvements to school responses and policies

Inform and involve staff in an action plan for serious incidents.

Summary

Schools prepare effectively for serious incidents by planning ahead to address situations should they arise:

• identifying and addressing known risk factors
• having a clear understanding of the behaviours or situations that constitute serious incidents and the steps for responding to these situations and alerting relevant authorities
  
• ensuring appropriate actions and support for those immediately affected by an incident
  
• acting to safeguard all school community members
• ensuring that all staff and visitors to the school are involved in regular reminding and updating about relevant procedures and their responsibilities
• providing necessary professional development and training in safety procedures for existing and new staff, students and visitors
• ensuring that procedures are known for contacting relevant carers, school community members and outside agencies
• regularly reviewing the plan and practices.

When all staff are involved in the school's plan and aware of the potential issues and their own roles, schools can quickly activate these safety procedures and respond supportively and appropriately to the needs of those involved and bystanders.