Schools across Carmarthenshire will be carrying out a series of planned emergency drills throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and wellbeing of pupils, parents have been told.

Aneirin Thomas, Head of Education Services in Carmarthenshire, said the safety of children remains the highest priority, with “robust and proven procedures” already in place to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. The drills will be used to test and refine these systems.

The exercises will include practice responses to scenarios such as fire, gas leaks and lockdown situations, alongside other relevant safety measures. Thomas stressed that such drills are standard practice within schools and form an important part of safeguarding procedures.

Decisions over whether pupils take part in the drills will be made by individual schools. Staff will consider the age and needs of pupils, and schools have been urged to approach the exercises sensitively in order to minimise any stress or anxiety.

Schools will also decide how and when to explain the purpose of each drill to pupils, and how to provide reassurance before, during and after the exercises.

Parents and carers are being reassured that the drills should not be a cause for alarm and that there is no need to contact the school during the exercises. Officials say the measures are purely precautionary and designed to ensure that everyone is fully prepared should a real emergency occur.

Families are encouraged to direct any general questions to their child’s school at a convenient time, but no action will be required from parents during the drills themselves.

Thomas thanked parents and carers for their ongoing support and understanding, adding that strong cooperation between schools and families is vital in maintaining safe learning environments.