· Every precaution to prevent fire must be taken – See Fire Audit document.
· Fire drills are carried out each term.
· In the event of a fire the following procedure should be followed:
· Use a whistle to raise the alarm in that room and the outdoor areas. Use the intercom to raise the alarm in the other classroom.
· A senior staff member should then take control of the evacuation.
· Decide on the evacuation route and instruct staff to evacuate the children. The primary assembly area is by the kindergarten gate at the side of the church. If this is not possible go to the rear garden gate. Exit through the rear gate will only be if absolutely necessary. The key to this gate is kept by the large classroom fire door and should be collected by a staff member on evacuation.
· Check toilets and play areas.
· Collect all registers, the Child Detail and Contact File and a telephone. Do NOT stop to collect any personal belongings. DO NOT return to the building after evacuation unless it is safe to do so.
· There are fire extinguishers available in both classrooms. Black (Co2) for Electric, Red(water) for everything else. There is a fire blanket in the large classroom. The fire blanket should be deployed AWAY from the body. However only tackle the fire if it is reasonable to do so. The primary importance is the safety of children and staff.
· The Fire Brigade should be called on 999 at the earliest opportunity.
· The registers must be taken to ensure everybody has left the buildings and play areas. One staff member should call the names and another check the child is present and answer for them. Do not rely on children answering names. They may not answer or may answer for another child.
· If anyone is missing, staff should only return to look for them if it is safe to do so. Otherwise inform the Fire Brigade as soon as they arrive.
· After evacuation children and staff must all remain together. Children should be provided with as much comfort and shelter as possible. This may involve finding somewhere safe to take them. The following should be considered in the order shown.
a. Sacred Heart Church Hall
b. The Old School
c. Flitwick Lower School
d. St. Peter and St. Paul Chapter House in Church Road.
· If it is not possible to return to the kindergarten, parents/carers should be telephoned to collect their child. They must be informed exactly where their child is and given a contact telephone number.
· Parents of any injured children should be contacted first. If any children have to be taken to hospital a member of staff should accompany them if at all possible and the child’s Detail and Contact form should go with them.