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‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.’
​ Proverbs 10:9

UNITE
Safeguarding in case of an emergency resulting in a lockdown (UNITE).
Information for parents
What is UNITE?
Safeguarding is the number one priority at Damian’s and your child’s safety and wellbeing is of the upmost importance. St Damian’s is a safe place, and we build a harmonious environment based on the core values of mutual respect, tolerance and genuine inclusion where everyone is valued and equal. We have many procedures and structures in place to ensure safety. One of these procedures is our unique UNITE strategy which is, in effect, our lockdown procedure. This would happen, for example, if there is an intruder on the school premises.
How it works.
In the event of a safety concern a lockdown procedure is initiated through a Tannoy, and email and computers screens highlight that we are following a lockdown procedure. Teachers account for all pupils in their care. Senior leaders ensure safety across the school. Normal activities resume once the situation is resolved and at the end of the alert the lockdown is de-escalated, in an orderly manner, and teaching will resume.
Is it necessary?
Definitely. Although we are a safe site it is important that in the case of an emergency, we have a procedure that can account for every person in the building and ensure that they are safe. Ensuring your child's safety is our top priority, and it is crucial that, in the case of an emergency, we can immediately account for every person in the building and ensure they are safe.
Do we practice UNITE?
Yes, we practice UNITE three times a year, each term. This is to ensure that all pupils know what is expected in case of a real emergency. We would rather our pupils and staff have an awareness of the procedure to minimise any issues in the case of a real lockdown.
Do children know what UNITE is?
Yes, In September the children are given an assembly on UNITE led by the DSL [Designated Safeguarding Lead] and/or the HOY. The UNITE procedure will be referenced to when applicable in assemblies, for example, as part of a wider safeguarding assembly. Each time there is a practice, staff will explain the purpose of the practice and share our expectations, and this is then followed up in form time the next day. Children are aware that during UNITE they will be involved in making a whole class decision as to whether they would like to do something as a collective to feel safer. This may, for example, include moving furniture, closing blinds or changing the seating arrangements. Staff are aware that this is about making everyone feel safe and will only be done if everyone agrees to it.
Do we communicate to parents when there is a UNITE?
No, is the simple answer. This is a procedure that we practice, and we do not communicate with parents when we carry out other practices such as a fire drill. We may also lockdown as a preventative measure during the school day and again in this situation we would not contact you, as it is simply to contain any incidents and promote your child’s safety. However, on occasions when we implement a ‘UNITE’ lockdown, Mr Logue will make a professional decision on whether to communicate with parents / carers via a letter on the website.
Are pupils allowed to use phones?
No. Under no circumstances should pupils be using their phones. If they do, they will be sanctioned. This is to ensure that the environment remains calm.
Social Media
In this modern era of social media, it is likely that you will find something out about school following a UNITE procedure before your child even gets home. This is a hindrance to our timely response to ensuring the safety of everyone. If you are reading something on social media, it is second hand and likely to be factually incorrect. Rest assured, if we need to contact you, we will do so through St Damian’s formal social media channels, text message, website or letter.