Anthony Simpson Orders Friday Private School Lockdown Drill
Erskine Stewart Melville will hold a private school lockdown drill on Friday for pupils as young as three. Principal Anthony Simpson said the school is introducing the drills regularly to prepare children for a security threat in the local community.
Simpson told parents the drill is meant for situations where it is safer to stay inside buildings, including a dangerous animal, a major fire or chemical leak, an extreme weather event or a security threat. For younger children, the emphasis will be on practising keeping very quiet and hiding.
Anthony Simpson Letter
In a letter to parents, Simpson said: “Staff will talk to students in an age-appropriate and reassuring way before, during and after the drill.” He also said: “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.”
The school already routinely practises fire evacuations, but the new drills add a different response for situations where children are told to stay inside and remain silent. That applies even to the youngest pupils, including children aged three.
Parents at Erskine Stewart Melville
Some parents questioned the move. One father said: “This isn’t America.” He added: “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.”
He also said: “But why would young children have to hide and stay silent because of a wild animal – this is Scotland.” Another father said: “It’s extremely alarming – does the school know something we should know?”
A mother said: “Fire drills we understand, because fire is a real threat.” She said: “My younger child is very sensitive.” She added: “I’m very worried about the impact of him having to hide under a desk and stay silent.”
Friday Drill at Erskine Stewart Melville
The school’s first drill is set for Friday, and the principal has framed it as preparation for situations that could force pupils and staff to remain inside. For families with very young children, the immediate issue is how a procedure built around silence and hiding will be presented in a way pupils can follow.
