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Question and Answer Tracking Details

2658 - LOCK DOWN POLICY

Hornery, Sonia to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Finance representing the Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for the Central Coast, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Finance
  1. What are the details of the successful lock down policy used at Merrylands High School?
  2. Is this the model for all public schools in New South Wales?
Answer -
  1. Lockdown is an emergency management strategy which can be used when there is an immediate threat to a school, such as intruders.
    A lockdown commences when a signal or code is given. After placing the school in lockdown, the principal or a senior staff member calls 000 for emergency services. All exterior doors and entrances are closed and locked where possible. If safe to do so, the principal or nominee accompanies or directs emergency services to the location of the emergency. 
    Students who are in the playground or outside the school fence are directed to immediately return to the nearest school building and classroom.
    Teachers keep classroom doors secured and students out of line of sight of doors and windows. The teachers also assist students to try and remain calm and quiet. They record the names of students who are in the classroom with them. Any missing and⁄or extra students are noted. Details are provided to the principal or police at the earliest opportunity.
    Teachers remain in classrooms with students until they receive official notification from the principal or a police officer that the lockdown is over and the school no longer at risk.
  2. Every school is required to develop an emergency management plan that reflects its own physical layout and location and which considers possible risks to the school.
    Lockdown is one strategy that schools can implement as part of their emergency management plans if required. It is not a mandatory procedure for all schools.

Question asked on 9 April 2008 (session 54-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 58
Answer received on 14 May 2008 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 66

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.