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Broadmoor Hospital is a high-security psychiatric hospital situated in Crowthorne. It uses the Thames Valley Alert (TVA) system, a modern communication system designed to send relevant safety information to local residents. South Hill Park Pre-school is registered with the TVA system and will receive automatic alerts in the event of an escape from Broadmoor Hospital.
Broadmoor Hospital is a high-security psychiatric hospital situated in Crowthorne. It uses the Thames Valley Alert (TVA) system, a modern communication system designed to send relevant safety information to local residents. South Hill Park Pre-school is registered with the TVA system and will receive automatic alerts in the event of an escape from Broadmoor Hospital.
At South Hill Park Pre-school, we have robust security procedures in place. Our daily register records the time each child arrives and leaves, ensuring we always know how many children are in our care. When children are playing outside, the garden gate remains locked at all times. Upon returning indoors, a headcount is conducted before the gate is unlocked. During arrival and collection times, one member of staff stands at the gate and at least one or two staff members are stationed at the doors to ensure that no child leaves the premises unless accompanied by the adult who is responsible for them.
At South Hill Park Pre-school, we have robust security procedures in place. Our daily register records the time each child arrives and leaves, ensuring we always know how many children are in our care. When children are playing outside, the garden gate remains locked at all times. Upon returning indoors, a headcount is conducted before the gate is unlocked. During arrival and collection times, one member of staff stands at the gate and at least one or two staff members are stationed at the doors to ensure that no child leaves the premises unless accompanied by the adult who is responsible for them.
If we receive a Broadmoor Alert During the Pre-school Day
If we receive a Broadmoor Alert During the Pre-school Day
If an escape occurs during the Pre-school day, we will receive a telephone alert via the TVA system. If children are outdoors at the time, they will be brought inside immediately. All windows and doors will be locked, and a headcount will be conducted without delay. The outside gate will remain locked and no visitors will be permitted entry. Pre-school will continue as usual only if it is deemed safe to do so.
If an escape occurs during the Pre-school day, we will receive a telephone alert via the TVA system. If children are outdoors at the time, they will be brought inside immediately. All windows and doors will be locked, and a headcount will be conducted without delay. The outside gate will remain locked and no visitors will be permitted entry. Pre-school will continue as usual only if it is deemed safe to do so.
At the end of the session, regular collection procedures will apply. Under no circumstances will a child be released to anyone not named on their admission form or authorised in writing. Our standard procedures for uncollected children will also remain in place.
At the end of the session, regular collection procedures will apply. Under no circumstances will a child be released to anyone not named on their admission form or authorised in writing. Our standard procedures for uncollected children will also remain in place.
If we receive a Broadmoor Alert whilst out on a local walk or outing.
If we receive a Broadmoor Alert whilst out on a local walk or outing.
If children are off site on a local outing when an alert is received, the group’s immediate priority will be to return to the Pre-school building as quickly and safely as possible. A senior member of staff carries a mobile phone whilst on local outings, this is checked prior to leaving to ensure it has sufficient battery life and credit. The staff remaining at the Pre-school will have the correct contact number for the outing.
If children are off site on a local outing when an alert is received, the group’s immediate priority will be to return to the Pre-school building as quickly and safely as possible. A senior member of staff carries a mobile phone whilst on local outings, this is checked prior to leaving to ensure it has sufficient battery life and credit. The staff remaining at the Pre-school will have the correct contact number for the outing.
Police Advice and Closure
Police Advice and Closure
We will always follow the advice of Thames Valley Police. If advised that it is unsafe to remain open, staff will contact parents or carers to collect their children immediately. Children will only be released to a parent or someone named on their admission form.
We will always follow the advice of Thames Valley Police. If advised that it is unsafe to remain open, staff will contact parents or carers to collect their children immediately. Children will only be released to a parent or someone named on their admission form.
Lock In
Lock In
As well as the Broadmoor Alert we may use a lock in for reasons such as:
As well as the Broadmoor Alert we may use a lock in for reasons such as:
A police incident in the local area
A suspicious person nearby
A dangerous animal on or near the premises
An environmental risk (e.g. gas leak, smoke, or poor air quality)
In events such as this it would be necessary to follow a lock in procedure to help keep children and staff safe. The procedures we would follow are:
In events such as this it would be necessary to follow a lock in procedure to help keep children and staff safe. The procedures we would follow are:
All children will be brought inside immediately
Doors and windows will be locked
A headcount will be carried out straight away
No visitors will be allowed in or out of the Pre-school.
Children are cared for and activities continue indoors if safe to do so
If necessary (if the alert has not come from the Police) the Police will be called immediately to inform them of the incident.
We will always follow the advice of Thames Valley Police and other authorities. If needed, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Children will only be released to a parent or named adult on their admission form.
We will always follow the advice of Thames Valley Police and other authorities. If needed, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Children will only be released to a parent or named adult on their admission form.
Last reviewed: June 2025
Last reviewed: June 2025
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