Dear Parent/Carer,
Re: Martyn’s Law and Our External Evacuation Procedures
The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is always our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe school environment, I am writing to inform you about new security arrangements that we are implementing in response to Martyn’s Law, which comes into force in September 2026.
Martyn’s Law has been introduced to strengthen preparedness and protective security across public venues and organisations. A key aspect of the legislation is ensuring that organisations have clear, proportionate plans in place to respond to a range of emergency situations.
As part of our preparations, we have reviewed and enhanced our emergency procedures and introduced a formal external evacuation process alongside our existing fire evacuation and lockdown arrangements.
What is an External Evacuation?
An external evacuation is different from a fire evacuation.
A fire evacuation is used when there is a need to leave a building but remain safely on the school site. An external evacuation, however, is used when circumstances require us to move students and staff away from the school buildings and grounds to a predetermined place of safety. This may include situations such as a significant incident on or near the school site where remaining on site is not considered the safest option.
Our External Evacuation Location
Following a detailed review of the local area and consultation with relevant partners, our designated external evacuation point is Shuker Field.
Should an external evacuation ever be required:
- Students will be directed by staff using clearly established routes.
- Students will remain under staff supervision at all times.
- Attendance registers and emergency information will be taken to enable accurate accounting for all students.
- Students will assemble in their normal form group arrangements to support efficient registration and welfare checks.
- Designated staff will manage crossings, access points and supervision throughout the process.
Training and Practice
Throughout September, staff and students will receive training on these procedures. This will include staff briefings, practical walk-throughs and a supervised student practice so that everyone understands what to do in the unlikely event that an external evacuation is required.
As with fire drills, these rehearsals are designed to ensure that procedures can be carried out calmly, safely and efficiently if ever needed.
Communication During an Incident
In the event of a significant emergency requiring an external evacuation, we will communicate with parents and carers as quickly as possible through our established communication channels. We would ask parents not to travel to the school or evacuation location unless instructed to do so, as this can impede emergency services and the management of the incident.
Any information provided during an emergency will be released as quickly as circumstances allow and will prioritise the safety of all students and staff.
Working Together to Keep Our Community Safe
Whilst we hope these procedures will never need to be used; it is important that we are prepared for a wide range of situations. The introduction of Martyn’s Law provides an opportunity for schools and other organisations to strengthen their emergency planning and ensure the highest standards of safety for everyone in our care.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions regarding our emergency procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Morgan
Senior Vice Principal
