Schools can face emergency incidents like fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, or even public health crises. A well-prepared plan helps staff respond quickly and effectively, reducing harm and confusion. Emergency plans ensure up-to-date contact details for key people —parents, emergency services, local authorities—so the right help can be reached fast.
Creating an Emergency Plan
- This should be completed by the School Principal. The principal may want to include the school leadership team, admin staff or Board of Governors when completing the plan.
- Only one plan is needed per school site. If you have a Nursery or a Special unit this should be included in your School Emergency Plan.
- Before creating a plan, you must register as a user on the Emergency and Accident Portal using your email address and complete all required fields on the registration page, users with active accounts on the Online Accident Reporting Portal will not have to do this.
- The EA will have oversight of the plan and will be available for support and guidance in completing the plan. The EA will also keep procedures aligned with latest guidance and advice.
- Login in and create the School Emergency Plan.
Reviewing and Updating the Emergency Plan
You should review your school emergency plan at least annually, and more frequently if circumstances change. This will ensure the plan reflects current risks, staffing, and contact details. It will also reinforce staff awareness through training and drills, helping everyone stay prepared.
If there’s a change in staffing, especially involving key roles like safeguarding leads, emergency contacts, or key holders, your school emergency plan should be updated immediately, not just at the next scheduled review.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already have a login for the Accident Reporting system do I need to create a new login for the School Emergency Plan?
No, the existing accident portal has just been refreshed to include an emergency plan. You will just use your current login details to access the system. If you are assigned as the approver of your school, you will automatically have access to create an emergency plan. If you have an account for a school but are not the approver you will automatically have read only access to the emergency plan.
What if I need to access my completed plan whilst I am not on the school site?
Yes, you can easily access the plan on your mobile phone or tablet.
Can I print off the emergency plan for my records?
Yes, we recommend you print off the emergency plan and keep it somewhere it is easily accessed. This will add an extra layer of resilience if there is a power cut.
My school doesn’t have some of the things this form is asking for e.g. media briefing area. What should I insert here?
When asked for an area for media briefing or SEMT (School Emergency Management Team) this does not have to be a dedicated area, this can be a school office, staff room, canteen or other area which can be repurposed. You can still complete the form by noting that the space will be identified or arranged as needed during an emergency. This shows you're aware of the requirement and have a flexible plan in place.
My school does not have specific signals for different emergency situations i.e. fire, bomb, lockdown etc. Should it?
Yes—your school should absolutely have distinct signals for different emergency situations like fire, bomb threats, and lockdowns.
Using specific, recognisable signals helps everyone respond quickly and appropriately, which can be critical in high-stress moments.
Different alarms, tones or visual cues can be utilised, or use of multi-channel communication PA Systems, telephone system, SMS, email or Teams.
Specific signals allow schools to practice tailored responses during drills, which reinforces muscle memory and confidence in emergency procedures.
I have forgotten my password, what do I do?
The system currently allows you to reset your own password, alternatively if you have been locked out or need any assistance with your login, please contact Health and Safety and Emergency Planning support on 028 9047 5888 or email EASafetyTeam@eani.org.uk
Emergency Plan Template
Please see below Emergency Plan Draft copy so as you can see the 9 Sections of the School Emergency Plan. 3 of these sections are to be completed by the school to make this plan specific for each site. Please use this for reference only and complete your own plan via the Emergency and Accident Portal.
Contact Details
If you are having difficulty with accessing the system or require additional support e.g. access levels or you have recently moved schools and need to create a new login, please contact the EA Health and Safety Team.
Telephone: 028 9047 5888
Email: EASafetyTeam@eani.org.uk