Critical Incidents in Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services: Planning and Responding
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Author
Barnardos
Date
2023
Citation
Barnardos. (2023). Critical Incidents in Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services: Planning and Responding. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13085/1293
Abstract
All Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services are required to have a service level Critical Incident Plan as outlined in the Tusla Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF) and the National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare Services. All employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of their employees, under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
This guide has been developed from previous guidance on critical incidents planning, including the Critical Incident Plan Toolkit and the extensive work of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), to support ELC and SAC services to think about and plan for critical incidents and to have practical supports in place should it be necessary to respond to a critical incident.
It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities at national and local levels when responding to critical incidents.
Incidents may occur outside normal working hours or may require a response outside normal hours including evenings, weekends or holidays.
This guide does not cover every aspect of what settings should do in relation to emergency planning. Settings must comply with their legal responsibilities, including health and safety legislation, and should seek legal advice as needed. Risk assessments, policies and plans should be continuously reviewed and updated to reflect new and updated guidance.