Critical Incidents -Developing a Lockdown Procedure

Westmeath County Childcare Committee are hosting an information session on developing a Lockdown Procedure for ELC/SAC Services in Westmeath CCC office N91E430.

Lockdown Resource developed for Early Learning and Care and School Aged Services will be shared on the night with the opportunity to complete a service specific Lockdown Policy.

This policy that aligns with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, particularly the provider's responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of children through effective risk management policies and procedures. Services should adapt the document to reflect their own premises, staffing, and local emergency arrangements. It is acknowledged that each Early Learning and Care and School Aged Service have unique operating environments and that each individual lockdown plan will be unique to each service

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, educators, visitors and contractors in the event of a critical incident where it is safer to remain inside the building rather than evacuate.

This policy provides clear guidance for implementing a lockdown procedure in response to an external or internal threat until the emergency services advise that it is safe to resume normal activities.

This session is for ELC/SAC service managers or persons in charge.

Date 25th November 2026

Time: 7.00pm - 9pm

Description supplied by the event organiser.