A new colour coded alert system rolled out recently to all Victorian schools will keep parents aware of any serious danger at their child’s school.
A new colour coded alert system rolled out recently to all Victorian schools will keep parents aware of any serious danger at their child’s school.
Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike said under the new protocol Victoria Police, the Education Department and schools would work together to keep children safe at school.
The new system applies to all government schools and consultation is under way to extend it to the non-government school sector as soon as possible.
“There can be no higher priority than protecting our school children from harm,” Ms Pike said.
“Under the new system information from Victoria Police or other authorities will be forwarded through the Department’s Emergency & Security Management Unit to principals and then to parents, teachers and students if appropriate.
“Each type of risk will be classified under a four colour system which provides a list of actions to ensure the students are safe and the school community aware of any threat.”
Ms Pike said this will result in greater student safety and better information for parents.
The four new risk categories are:
Code Green
For information only, such as reports of severe weather or flooding. Principal and school management team will be prepared for further information which may require action.
Code Amber
Inform staff to be vigilant, such as reports of a thief in the vicinity targeting staff belongings and vehicles. Principals must report any sightings to police on 000.
Code Red
Inform school community, such as reports of a known sex offender in the vicinity. Principals will reinforce safety procedures with staff and students, report any sightings, and inform parents and carers of the situation.
Code Black
Lockdown or evacuate school or excursion/campsite in designated area, such as reports of a police operation or major emergency in the area, such as a bushfire. Principals will implement immediate lock down or evacuation procedures in accordance with their School Emergency Plan.
The Emergency and Security Management Unit has been trialling the new system for 8 weeks and it will be implemented immediately by Victorian Government schools.
“This new alert system will help principals respond quickly when needed,” Ms Pike said.
Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike said under the new protocol Victoria Police, the Education Department and schools would work together to keep children safe at school.
The new system applies to all government schools and consultation is under way to extend it to the non-government school sector as soon as possible.
“There can be no higher priority than protecting our school children from harm,” Ms Pike said.
“Under the new system information from Victoria Police or other authorities will be forwarded through the Department’s Emergency & Security Management Unit to principals and then to parents, teachers and students if appropriate.
“Each type of risk will be classified under a four colour system which provides a list of actions to ensure the students are safe and the school community aware of any threat.”
Ms Pike said this will result in greater student safety and better information for parents.
The four new risk categories are:
Code Green
For information only, such as reports of severe weather or flooding. Principal and school management team will be prepared for further information which may require action.
Code Amber
Inform staff to be vigilant, such as reports of a thief in the vicinity targeting staff belongings and vehicles. Principals must report any sightings to police on 000.
Code Red
Inform school community, such as reports of a known sex offender in the vicinity. Principals will reinforce safety procedures with staff and students, report any sightings, and inform parents and carers of the situation.
Code Black
Lockdown or evacuate school or excursion/campsite in designated area, such as reports of a police operation or major emergency in the area, such as a bushfire. Principals will implement immediate lock down or evacuation procedures in accordance with their School Emergency Plan.
The Emergency and Security Management Unit has been trialling the new system for 8 weeks and it will be implemented immediately by Victorian Government schools.
“This new alert system will help principals respond quickly when needed,” Ms Pike said.