Critical Incident Support Team - Education Authority NI

ONLY STAFF EMPLOYED BY EDUCATION AUTHORITY NI SHOULD CONTACT THIS TELEPHONE NUMBER The Education Authority has introduced a single number for schools who require Critical Incident Support: Critical Incident Line: 028 3751 2515 This number should be used by all schools to report a critical incident that has occurred both during the day and out of hours. The previous numbers are no longer in use. What is a critical incident? A critical incident may be defined as any sudden and unexpected incident or sequence of events which cause trauma within a school community and which overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of that school. The best preparation which schools can make is to have their own Critical Incident Policy and Management Plan in place. This will enable them to mobilise their resources promptly and effectively. Ideally schools should have their own critical incident team with each member having clearly defined roles and responsibilities. What to do when a critical incident happens The serious injury or death of a pupil, member of staff or member of the school community can challenge the very heart of a school and its ability to cope. It is therefore very important that, if such an incident occurs, the staff particularly the Principal and Senior Management Team receive effective support and guidance in meeting such challenges if required. The Education Authority, in seeking to provide an effective response, has a procedure in place to ensure that appropriate support is available to assist schools. The role of the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team is to enhance the school's pastoral care system by providing advice, support and resources to allow the school staff to successfully manage a critical incident. When a critical incident happens schools can contact the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at 02837512515. The Critical Incident Response Team Coordinator will speak with the Principal to gather the facts of the situation; provide advice and guidance and arrange for member/s of the EA critical incident response team to be available in school for support, if required.