SMART Response – Leading a Safer, Smarter Approach to School Lockdown

What is SMART Response?

SMART Response is Matrix Academy Trust’s phased, proportionate approach to managing critical incidents and threats in schools. Developed alongside West Midlands Police and aligned with Martyn’s Law, SMART Response replaces outdated “lockdown” procedures with a clear level-based system designed to protect students, staff, and visitors — without panic.

It empowers schools to take swift, coordinated action in a crisis, while maintaining calm and control through clearly defined team roles and robust communication protocols.

Why We Created SMART Response

We know first-hand how critical it is to get this right.

Like many schools, we have previously faced situations where a lockdown didn’t go as it should have. That experience left a lasting mark — not just on our school community, but also on our public reputation. Parents were scared. Staff were unsure. Misinformation spread fast. It became clear that the traditional “lockdown” model simply wasn’t fit for purpose.

We developed SMART Response in direct response to this experience. We wanted something clearer, calmer, and safer — and we believe every school in the country deserves the same.

What We Offer

Matrix Academy Trust is committed to sharing SMART Response with schools and Trusts across the UK, free of charge.

We offer:

• A complete SMART Response framework – Including our level-based procedures (Levels 0–4), Gold/Silver/Bronze team roles, and communication tools

• Free RoSPA-accredited national video training – Six SMART Response training modules launching in September 2025, available free online

• Customisable documents and templates – Including crisis activity cards, sample training documents, SMART Response policy and procedures, parent letters, emergency service checklists, and neighbouring school notifications

• Free implementation support – Via Teams meetings or in-person site visits with our dedicated SMART Response team

• Specific guidance for lettings and out-of-hours events – Ensuring security doesn’t stop when the school day ends

Linked to Martyn’s Law

SMART Response is fully aligned with Martyn’s Law (The Protect Duty) — a new piece of legislation that will require public spaces, including schools, to strengthen their emergency preparedness.

Key areas where SMART Response meets Martyn’s Law:

• Risk assessment and planning – Phased response model with live threat assessment

• Staff training – All staff are trained in roles and procedures, refreshed regularly

• Communication and coordination – Clearly defined Gold/Silver/Bronze structure for incident management

• Security during lettings – SMART Response includes specific guidance for out-of-hours use of school buildings

Our National Goal

We believe that it’s time to change the way lockdown is handled across the country. No more reactive, confusing responses. No more uncertainty in a moment of crisis.

Matrix Academy Trust is working to change national practice and influence future policy — moving the sector toward a smarter, safer, and more professional emergency response model.

Our Mission

We want every school to feel confident and prepared. Whether you’re a standalone school or part of a large Trust, we’re here to help — at no cost.

Because we’ve been there. We’ve learned. And now, we want to help others get it right.

Ready to make the shift to SMART Response?

📥 Contact us at SMARTResponse@matrixacademytrust.co.uk

✅ Free training and resources available September 2025