1. Safe Mode
Ysgol Eirias 2019

2. Safe Mode
Serious incidents are often difficult to predict and hard to handle in any establishment. It is certainly no different in schools. By having a plan in place however, it helps everyone in school to be prepared. ‘Safe Mode’ procedures describe the pre-planning of protocol and responsibilities for critical situations. A ‘Safe Mode’ drill is when the whole school community practices the procedures so that students and staff are prepared, just as you would expect for a fire drill. It will help with recognising the kind of alarm to be sounded and how to respond. 
Having a plan in place can minimise risk and prevent harm. As with a fire drill a ‘Safe Mode’ practice may take place approximately once per term.

3. What is Safe Mode?
The situation when staff and students should remain safely in the school in classrooms until further notice. If outside staff and students should go back to classrooms if it is safe to do so.
Under some circumstances ‘Safe Mode’ may involve leaving the building.

4. What is Safe Mode?
‘Safe Mode’ attempts to communicate to all staff and students that a potentially dangerous or critical situation is happening and everyone must be highly alert and vigilant.

5. Why do we need Safe Mode?
We must be prepared in case there is a situation which might affect the safety and/or wellbeing of any member of our school community.

6. When will Safe Mode be called?
There are numerous scenarios where it may be necessary. For example this could be due to extreme weather conditions or an intruder on the school site.

7. How will we know that the school is in Safe Mode?
This sound will play continuously over the school tannoy system. It is a different sound to the lesson changeover pips and the fire alarm.

8. How will we know that the school is in Safe Mode?
A tannoy announcement may also be made.
Staff may also provide instructions if they receive information about the situation.

9. What do we do when we are placed in Safe Mode?
Remain in the classroom.
If outside move into the building if safe to do so and seek a safe environment e.g. the nearest classroom. If it is not safe to move inside find the nearest and safest place away from the incident. It might be necessary to seek an alternative exit to the school site.
Use ‘‘Run, Hide, Tell’’ depending on the severity of the incident.

10. What do we do when we are placed in Safe Mode?
Classroom doors should be locked or blocked where possible.
Shut windows and blinds and stay away from windows.
Keep calm and quiet.
Do not use your mobile phone.
If it is necessary to evacuate the building the fire alarm will sound.
Avoid unnecessary communication.
Await further instructions.

11. How do we know Safe Mode is over?
The ‘Safe Mode’ sound will be turned off and a tannoy announcement made. Staff may also be ed and then communicate the end of ‘Safe Mode’ with students.

12. What happens after Safe Mode is over?
Staff and students will receive appropriate support.
The school will communicate with parents to inform them of the situation.