PARENTS have expressed concerns after a Scottish private school announced it will be holding US-style lockdown drills.
Pupils as young as three will be taught how to keep “very quiet and hiding” at the event at Erskine Stewart Melville on Friday according to The Scotsman, with principal Anthony Simpson saying that it is meant to prepare the children for a “security threat in the local community”.
Examples given included a dangerous animal, a major fire or chemical leak, an extreme weather event or a security threat.
“We understand that by their nature, emergency drills can be worrying for children and young people,” Simpson’s letter said.
“Staff will talk to students in an age-appropriate and reassuring way before, during and after the drill.
“For younger children, the emphasis will be on practising keeping very quiet and hiding.
“Additional support will be available for students who may find drills more challenging.”
Some parents aren’t happy, however. One father told the newspaper: “This isn’t America.
“We’re told that the drill is to prepare for situations such as a wild animal on the school grounds, a fire or a storm.
“But why would young children have to hide and stay silent because of a wild animal – this is Scotland.
“It’s extremely alarming – does the school know something we should know?”
In a letter to parents, Simpson said the school routinely practises fire evacuations but was now introducing lockdown drills regularly to “prepare everyone for situations where it is safer to stay inside buildings”.
The letter stated: “It is very unlikely that we would ever need to go into a lockdown, but it is important that if we did, everyone in school is prepared and confident about what to do to keep themselves and others safe.”
One mother, meanwhile, added: “Fire drills we understand, because fire is a real threat.
“My younger child is very sensitive. We shield them as much as possible by limiting screen time and what they can access.
“I’m very worried about the impact of him having to hide under a desk and stay silent.
“It’s the sort of thing seen in the US and it’s quite ghastly and unnecessary.”
Her husband added: “The school has asked us to speak to our children but I’m really at a loss.
“The school says talking to the children will ‘reinforce learning’ but reinforce what, exactly?
“That the place they should feel safest is actually not so safe at all?”
