Free lockdown, invacuation and evacuation procedures template for schools
Updated 30 September 2026 · Built on the Martyn's Law statutory guidance and DfE guidance
An editable Word template for your school's emergency procedures, free to download and adapt. It covers the four procedures Martyn's Law asks for, with a one-page guide to choosing the right one, what to do after the all clear, and a staff action card to print.
Download the template (Word)What's in the template
Lockdown, invacuation and evacuation
A one-page guide to choosing the right response, then step-by-step actions for staff wherever they are, including Run, Hide, Tell.
Signals and messages
A table for each signal, a backup for when it fails, and messages to staff and parents you can adapt now.
Roles and individual plans
Who decides, who deputises, how to call 999 using ETHANE, and how to plan for pupils and staff who need extra support.
Recovery and practice
Releasing pupils safely, supporting people after an incident, a drill log, a grab bag checklist and a card for staff areas.
Why we made it
Under Martyn's Law, schools where 200 or more people are expected on site will need procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. The SIA expects the duties to start in spring 2027. The statutory guidance says there is no legal requirement for standard tier premises to write their procedures down, but strongly recommends it, and notes that compliance may otherwise be hard to show.
The government is clear that schools shouldn't need to buy specialist services to comply. ProtectUK says premises can meet the duties without paying for specialist services. So this template is free, works whatever alert system you use, and is built only from official guidance.
How to use it
- Make it yours. Replace everything in square brackets, and delete the grey guidance boxes when you're done.
- Keep it restricted. It holds muster points and codes, so share it with staff rather than publishing it.
- Walk the site. Check routes, safe areas, doors and blinds, and where people are at break and lunch.
- Ask your local police. The DfE says they are best placed to advise on lockdown.
- Tell every member of staff their role, and add the procedures to induction.
- Practise, then review. Start with a table-top exercise, record each drill, and update the document at least once a year.
It sits alongside the DfE's own protective security template plan, adding the detail staff need in the moment.
Part of a multi-academy trust? Our free trust-wide Martyn's Law framework sets one standard across every school, with this template holding each school's detail.
Download the template
We'll keep your details so the team can follow up about the template and teamSOS. See our privacy policy.
Running the procedures with teamSOS
With teamSOS, your procedures can sit on every staff device as step-by-step Tasklists. Any member of staff can raise the alarm, leaders send Lockdown or Evacuation Announcements in seconds, and staff reply I'M OK or I'M NOT OK. Every drill leaves a record you can export and add to your drill log.
Fast communication and co-ordination are fundamental to a school's response under Martyn's Law. teamSOS provides that speed and clarity.
Built from: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 statutory guidance (Home Office, updated 25 August 2026); Protective security and preparedness for education settings (DfE, April 2025); DfE School and college security (updated 3 July 2026); ProtectUK guidance on evacuation, invacuation and lockdown; Fire Industry Association guidance on lockdown in schools (May 2025).
See teamSOS in action
Book a 15-minute demo and see how your procedures run on every staff device.
