At InterGreat Education Group, our paramount goal is to uphold the safety and well-being of our students at all times. To achieve this, we have created the following emergency plan to address any potential challenges that may arise during emergency scenarios. These situations encompass, but are not limited to:
- Health pandemics
Terrorism
- Natural disasters (particularly those impacting air travel)
- Missing student incidents
- Death of a student
- Students unable to be accommodated by the school for any reason (including illness or disciplinary actions)
For swift and efficient action during any similar emergency situation as listed above, the immediate priorities of InterGreat Education Group staff and its partners remain consistent:
- Evacuate students from the danger zone
- Notify and assist emergency services as necessary
- Provide aid to any casualties, as needed
- Assist individuals who are displaced but not injured
- Coordinate with emergency services and other relevant authorities, and upon serious situations, transfer incident/emergency responsibilities as directed.
In the event of an emergency situation, the Designated Safeguarding Lead should be notified. DSL will serve as the primary point of contact for all ensuing actions. Subsequent measures will be executed in proportion to the level of risk posed by the situation and will be tailored to the specific circumstances faced by the students and staff. All the contact information is as below.
Health Pandemic
In the event of a health pandemic, InterGreat Education Group (including the School or Host Family as applicable) will adhere to the guidance provided by the relevant government agencies. This information is available on the government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pandemic-flu#sector-specific-guidance) and is routinely reviewed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead to stay informed about any updates. Additionally, we will align our actions with the Department of Education’s guidelines for addressing a health pandemic, which are presently undergoing review. The DSL will also act in accordance with recommendations from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization to guide our response.
Terrorism
The National Counter-terrorism Security Office has issued the following guidance for responding to a terrorist attack in a public area. The primary directive for the public is ‘Run, Hide, Tell’:
- Run to a place of safety. This is a preferable course of action rather than giving up or negotiating. If there is no immediate escape route, then…
- Hide – it is better to conceal oneself rather than confront the threat. Remember to switch your phone to silent mode and turn off vibration. If possible, barricade yourself in. Lastly, and only when it is safe to do so…
- Tell – contact the police by dialling 999.
In the event of an incident while students are on school premises, it is strongly recommended that all students follow the school's advice and established procedures.
Natural Disaster
If a natural disaster occurs, especially those with an impact on airlines, InterGreat Education Group will consult government guidelines and proceed accordingly. If flights are disrupted and students intend to use these flights (as seen with the ash cloud from Iceland in April 2010), the organisation will arrange appropriate emergency lodging for students in consultation with parents and schools. After airlines receive approval to reschedule flights, InterGreat Education Group will aid students and parents in rearranging any previously planned travel.
Missing Student
If a student is reported missing, follow the Absent or Missing Student Policy. Contact the DSL, assess the immediate risk, record the concern and provide relevant information to emergency services. Do not delay a police referral where the circumstances require one.
Serious Injury or Death of a Student
The serious injury or death of a student is profoundly distressing for all involved. InterGreat Education Group will:
- Coordinate with medical personnel and the police
- Keep parents updated
- Assist parents in organising flights
- Handle enquiries from the relevant parties
- Collaborate with schools and any required external organisations, such as LSP
- Provide support with rehabilitation and organising return flights if needed
- Offer assistance with funeral arrangements if necessary
School Closures
There are numerous reasons why a school may close. These could be temporary, such as due to adverse weather or a staff shortage, or permanent, for instance, due to bankruptcy. Unless the closure is due to a contagious disease (refer to the pandemic guidance above), InterGreat Education Group will arrange accommodation for students with their host families*.
Requests from Schools to Remove a Student
InterGreat Education Group has a plan in place for any student who cannot remain at the school due to illness, disciplinary actions, or any other reasons. All removal requests are managed by Terence Murray, DSL at InterGreat, and should be directed to him. He will follow our Non-Emergency, Emergency, and Mental Health Removal processes as required.
It is important to note that if a student is being permanently excluded from school, that is, they will not be allowed re-entry, then effectively, and in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, our obligations are immediately terminated. However, if the student requires a safe place to stay between their expulsion and their flight home, or until they are taken into the care of their parents, we will arrange for a host family, subject to our removal procedure and risk assessment, for a maximum of 7 days.
Requests from Schools or Need to Take Students to Hospital in an Emergency
InterGreat Education Group provides an Emergency Chaperone Service and maintains a Register of Emergency Chaperones throughout the UK who assist in transporting students to the hospital 24/7. Refer to the separate Policy and Procedure for more details.
Emergency Host Family Accommodation
Please note that emergency host family placements may not always be with the students’ usual host family but will be with one of our vetted host families who provide high levels of care. These host families may be located further from the school. Whenever possible, we will place students with their usual host family.
School unable to accommodate Student
In situations where the school cannot provide accommodation for a student, whether due to health or disciplinary reasons, InterGreat Education Group is tasked with arranging emergency housing. If a student is expelled, InterGreat Education Group may consider transferring responsibility in consultation with parents and the school, prioritising the student's safety and well-being. The organisation is committed to ensuring the availability of alternative host family accommodations in areas where students study or reside, and will engage short-term hosting services when necessary. If emergency host family arrangements are deemed unsuitable or unavailable, InterGreat Education Group may collaborate with suitably accredited outside lodging providers.
24-hour emergency cover
IEG will provide all students, parents, staff, volunteers, homestays and partner schools with the current 24-hour emergency contact number. The number must connect to a suitably experienced member of staff who has secure access to the records needed to manage the situation. A documented rota and escalation arrangement will provide cover when the DSL or usual contact is unavailable. The number and escalation process will be tested periodically, and any change will be communicated promptly to all relevant parties.