Support following a major or critical incident in an education setting
Support following a major or critical incident in an education setting
Following any sort of traumatic incident in a school or an educational setting, it is likely that Senior Leader’s first concern will be for their pupils. This page outlines the support for staff that is available from the Council’s Occupational Health team of specialist responders.
It is important to contact them on 01452 425073 or ohu@gloucestershire.gov.uk as soon as possible after an incident.
Step one (day one of incident)
- Contact Occupational Health (details above)
- Acknowledge to staff that that incident may have a significant impact and you are seeking specialist trauma support services (via Occupational Health) who will be advising/providing appropriate support as required.
- Meanwhile make sure staff have the contact details for the school’s 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme helpline before they leave for the day. If your school does not have an EAP in place, you can purchase the County Council’s EAP by speaking to Occupational Health, we can make all the necessary arrangements for you.
- Check the welfare of all staff before they leave on day one and, where possible staff are advised not to drive (focus and concentration will not be as usual).
- Encourage connecting with family/social support when they get home and don’t expect too much from themselves. Sleep may also be disturbed - this is normal and to be expected.
- Provide printed copies (attached) of the handouts ‘Reacting to a Traumatic Event at Work’ and ‘Guidance for Family and Friends following a Traumatic Event’ and ensure all staff take one of each before leaving (even if they think they don’t need it).
- Ensure they have the EAP helpline number and/or any other support resources alongside these documents.
If you have concerns for the psychological or emotional wellbeing of a particular colleague OH may, be able to arrange a wellbeing call from a member of our specialist support team the same day.
Step two (the days and weeks following the incident)
- Our OH Team will continue to risk assess and provide/advise any immediate and/or ongoing interventions they feel will best support the current needs specific to this incident.
These may include;
- Individual trauma-informed wellbeing calls
- Onsite Support (individually and/or group)
- Follow up recommendations/counselling support etc.
Reacting to a Traumatic Event at Work
When something happens that is distressing and unexpected, most people will experience a reaction that can be unpleasant, disturbing and potentially overwhelming. Just as, if you are physically hit, you bruise, so an emotional or psychological shock can have an impact that takes time to fade. This is called a post-traumatic stress reaction. In most cases, this reaction will subside over time as you gradually come to terms with the experience and its effects.
Download the full document here.
Guidance for Family and Friends following a Traumatic Event
When someone we care about has been involved in a crisis or traumatic event, it can be very difficult to know what to do. We can feel helpless, confused and worried. Our loved one may withdraw from our support, or be emotional or angry with us. They may have a range of post-traumatic stress symptoms and sometimes it can feel as though we’ll never get the “old person” back and life will never be the same again. As someone who cares for them, you are an important part of their recovery and there are things that you can do.
Download the full document here.
Significant Incident Resource for Students (Under 18)
When something serious or traumatic has happened so close to home, it can understandably have a huge impact on all aspects of your life, including your education. We wanted to reach out to you today to let you know that you are not alone and to offer some support and advice uring this difficult time. Download the resource here
Significant Incident Resource for Education Staff (Under 18)
What to do when a significant incident happens that affects students and staff
We understand how tight-knit educational settings can be. When something serious or traumatic has happened so close to home, it can understandably have a huge impact on you and the students you support. We wanted to reach out to you today to let you know that you are not alone and to offer some support and advice during this difficult time.
Understanding how different people respond and why
Changes to how you think, feel, and behave are totally natural responses to any traumaticevent, however connected you feel to what happened. And, while everyone is different,here are just a few reasons why there might be strong reactions from those around you -
whether that’s the students you support, yourself, or your fellow colleagues.
Download the full Resource here.
For more information or advice about any of the above please contact ohu@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Support for Senior Leaders : Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning (ghll.org.uk)
