Training and Effectiveness of Support for School Leaders and Staff to Manage Crises

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Hamid Razak, West Coast-Jurong West GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) how does the Ministry ensure that school leaders and staff are adequately trained and supported to manage crises, given the range of school contexts; and (b) how is the effectiveness of this support periodically reviewed.

Response

1. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has structures, processes and training in place to ensure that schools are prepared to manage emergencies, crises and potential threats. Every school has a School Emergency Structure led by the Principal, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering a wide range of incidents including death and serious injury, security incidents, overseas trip emergencies, health-related situations, and examination-related matters.
2. School Leaders are trained to lead during crises through milestone leadership programmes, discussion of case studies and structured sessions. These develop School Leaders’ capability to exercise sound judgement and adapt SOPs to evolving circumstances.
3. Schools regularly conduct workshops, scenario-based discussions, drills and exercises with the Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force to familiarise staff and students with emergency response procedures, and strengthen coordination with emergency responders during a crisis.
4. Every school also has a team of specially trained teachers and school counsellors, to help school staff and students cope with the psychological distress of a crisis and support their return to normalcy. MOE HQ provides close consultation and additional trained staff where needed.
5. We have also enhanced our infrastructure to support schools in managing incidents. All schools have been equipped with CCTV systems to enhance safety and security within their premises. The cameras are installed to provide coverage across the school including critical areas like gates, access routes and common spaces.
6. MOE adopts a whole-school approach to facilitate the early identification and support of students who may display behaviours or signs of concern, so that risks can be addressed early and appropriate interventions put in place. School personnel are trained to look out for these students and are guided on the prompt handling of concerns. This includes providing timely intervention and counselling so that issues can be addressed, before they escalate. Students are also taught to look out for one another and to seek help from trusted adults like parents, teachers or school counsellors.
7. MOE reviews our plans and approach regularly, drawing on feedback from schools and lessons learnt from incident management, to be relevant and effective. MOE is committed to ensuring that schools are safe for staff and students.