Would Your Nursery Be Ready in an Emergency?

During a recent Pro Insight Audit, I asked a simple question:

🗣️ “When was your last fire drill?”

The room fell silent. Staff exchanged uncertain glances. Some weren’t sure. Others admitted they had never practiced one.

I looked around the setting. There were no evacuation bags. No fire cots for babies. No clear emergency plan posted on the walls. If a fire broke out, how would they safely evacuate young children, especially non-mobile babies? Would they even know what to do?

The truth is, in an emergency, there’s no time to think— only time to act and yet, this nursery had never practiced an evacuation leaving staff and children dangerously unprepared.

Fire Safety in Nurseries: What Every Setting Must Have

Emergencies are rare, but complacency is a risk we can’t afford. Every nursery should have a fire evacuation plan that ensures staff, children and visitors know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. Here’s top 5 things every setting must have in place:

✅ 1. Regular Fire Drills (At Least Once Per Term)

When was your last fire drill? Every nursery should practice evacuations at least once per term, covering different scenarios (daytime, nap time, meal times, outdoor play) to ensure readiness at any moment.

✅ 2. Emergency Equipment on Site

Does your nursery have the right equipment? This includes:

• Evacuation bags with emergency supplies (nappies, first aid, contact lists).
• Fire cots for evacuating non-mobile babies safely.
• Clearly marked emergency exits with easy access for buggies and wheelchairs.

✅ 3. Staff Must Be Trained & Confident

Ask yourself:

• Do you know the nursery’s emergency procedures?
• Who is responsible for leading an evacuation?
• How would you evacuate children with additional needs?

If you are are uncertain about any of these questions this is a serious gap that needs addressing immediately.

✅ 4. Fire Safety Awareness for Children

Young children should learn basic emergency procedures in a non-frightening way. Simple routines like lining up when the alarm sounds, walking to the assembly point and knowing key safety rules can save lives.

✅ 5. Clear Communication with Parents

If a fire happened tomorrow, would parents know the nursery’s emergency plan? Transparency builds trust. Nurseries should regularly share safety procedures, evacuation plans and drill updates with parents.

Is Your Nursery Fire-Safe?

If a fire were to break out, how would they safely evacuate every child in under two minutes?

Fire safety in nurseries is not just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about readiness. It’s about ensuring that every child, from the youngest baby to the most active preschooler, is accounted for and protected. Because in an emergency, hesitation costs lives.

So, let’s have an honest conversation:

📌 When was the last time your nursery practiced a fire drill?
📌 Does every member of staff know their role in an emergency?
📌 Are there clear evacuation procedures for babies, non-verbal children, and those with additional needs?

Think Nursery are here to support so please click here to print out Think Nursery Evacuation Bag List to ensure you are ready for any emergency.