Critical Incident Team

What is a critical incident? 

A single incident or sequence of incidents which: are sudden and unexpected; contain real or imagined threats to a person; are likely to overwhelm usual coping mechanisms of the setting; and cause significant impact or disruption. For example, extreme violence against members of the setting or a serious accident or sudden death of a child or member of staff. 

What is the purpose of the Critical Incident Team? 

Salford Educational Psychology Service (EPS) can provide a setting with short term support, to help the setting through the acute phase immediately after a critical incident. We support the setting to support their children, staff, and parents and carers, by enhancing their own support and coping strategies, and helping the setting to manage the range of responses to the incident.

What can we offer? 

We usually arrange a visit or Teams call within 24 hours, following a request from a setting. 

Please note: Following a critical incident, we don’t usually work directly with children – support for those impacted is usually best provided by a trusted familiar adult at the time, and over the longer term. We can support the setting with this.  

Settings may also be supported through Mental Health Support Teams as part of the Thrive in Education (TiE) offer, if relevant to the setting. Salford EPS works in collaboration with TiE practitioners to provide an aligned approach to supporting settings following critical incidents.  

How can you contact the EPS Critical Incident Team? 

The EPS can be contacted at eps@salford.gov.uk.