iv) APPENDIX 1 – POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT The effects of a traumatic event upon a school, such as the serious injury or death of a pupil, can be profound and have significant long-term effects. After an incident there will be a continuing need to support pupils, parents/carers and staff. It is important to ensure appropriate monitoring procedures are in place so any individuals who require assistance can be identified and supported. This could include those who: Were injured Were uninjured, but at great risk Witnessed the event Are related to those involved Are friends of those involved Blame themselves Are being blamed by others Are experiencing instability at home Have pre-existing behavioural difficulties Have previously suffered bereavement or loss Have witnessed a similar incident before. People involved in the incident, whether directly or indirectly, will be affected in different ways. This could include: Sleep disturbance Recurrent dreams Disturbing images and memories of the event Impairment of memory Feelings of guilt Feelings of detachment Difficulty in retaining concentration Diminished interest in significant activities (e.g. exams) Avoidance of activities which recall the event. Affected individuals may also experience renewed grief on the anniversary of the incident or on other significant dates. Staff will play an important role in supporting pupils as they recover from an incident but they should not be expected to perform a counselling role. If support is needed, further professional help should be arranged following discussion with, and the consent of, parents/carers. This will be a very sensitive matter and staff should seek advice from trained specialists if they are unsure how to proceed. The local authority may be able to offer support from educational professionals trained in psychological debriefing, critical incident stress debriefing, bereavement counselling and trauma management. This could include: Advice on short-term and long-term support arrangements Guidance on the grieving process Advice on identifying particularly vulnerable individuals Links to other organisations which can provide assistance. Assistance may also be available from external counselling services (e.g. Cruse Bereavement Care, Samaritans) and local religious groups. Further advice and guidance is provided in the With Hindsight document available on the schools’ portal. Staff will need support if they are to be effective in caring for pupils, as dealing with crises can be an enormously stressful experience. The effect on staff should not be underestimated, as in some cases it may be more significant than the impact on pupils.
Briefings Live exercises can appear very realistic so it is important to notify all possible stakeholders that an exercise is taking place. Prior to the event it will be necessary to brief a wide variety of groups: Pupils Parents/carers Staff Governors Extended services (cleaners caterers etc) Buddy schools The emergency services The local authority The media The local community. It is particularly important to advise the emergency services of the exercise to ensure they are not called out to attend the exercise thinking it is a real incident. You might also wish to put notices on the school gates to prevent concern or panic from passers by.