Impact & feedback
The Critical Incident Support Service works alongside schools and early years settings at some of the most challenging moments they may face. Our focus is always on providing calm, proportionate and compassionate support that helps communities recover and move forward.
Our impact
During 2024-2025, the Critical Incident Support Service:
- Offered support or advice on 136 occasions
- Visited 21 settings to provide direct support for pupils and staff, including following the death of a child or member of staff
- Provided online support to school staff
- Offered specialist interventions such as EMDR or TRIM where post‑traumatic stress symptoms were identified
In addition to responding to incidents, the Service supported schools through consultation, training and signposting to ensure children and staff received appropriate and timely support.
What school leaders say
School leaders consistently tell us that having access to specialist support during times of crisis makes a significant difference to staff wellbeing, decision‑making and recovery.
"People are human and need support and care in times of trauma and stress. Supporting our staff in turn supports our children and communities and is invaluable. Thank you for your help and support."
(School leader, 2023)
"The professionalism and support has been second to none and as a school, we would not hesitate in gaining the services of the critical incident team at a time of crisis. Without the support of the team our academy would not have managed in supporting the whole school through the bereavement of one of our students, from the point of being told of the incident, right through to post coroner's inquest."
"Reassurance that we had taken the 'right' steps and approached it in the right way - a boost at a time when we needed it."
(School leader, 2023)
"Thankfully critical incidents are occasional incidents, therefore to have someone who can provide support and guidance to ensure the best outcomes for all is essential."
(School leader, 2023)
Ongoing commitment
Critical incidents are rare, but their impact can be profound. The Critical Incident Support Service remains committed to:
- Providing timely, compassionate and evidence‑based support
- Working in partnership with schools and other agencies
- Helping educational communities feel supported, prepared and able to recover
Further information on accessing support, training opportunities and subscriptions can be found elsewhere in this section.
