Severe Weather Conditions and other School ClosuresPolicy document
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS and
OTHER SCHOOL CLOSURES POLICY
ALL STAFF
In the event of inability to get to school due to bad weather, the following procedure should be adhered to:-
1)Although it is recognised that severe weather conditions make it difficult for staff to get to and from work, unless an individual has permission to be away from work for other reasons, then the expectation is that staff will be present themselves for work. A transport difficulty, which may arise from the occurrence of snow or other factors, does not alter that obligation which applies equally to all staff. It is not limited by the location of an individual's home. Staff who live a considerable distance away from their workplace, or in isolated situations, are equally expected to attend work as usual.
When adverse weather conditions make travelling difficult or dangerous, staff should conduct their own risk assessment and inform their Head Teacher. The Head Teacher may then authorise staff not to attend school or, in case of prolonged closure, to attend a school closer to their home.
When a school is closed to pupils the expectation is that staff will present themselves for work unless advised to the contrary by the Head Teacher. Contract Staff (Catering and Cleaning Services) also need to be advised of any emergency requirements.
2)In the event of the school being closed the Head Teacher will inform staff by text message where possible. An announcement will be put out on Radio Norfolk/Heart Radio to inform parents of the closure. A message will also be placed on the font page of the website.
3)Staff living near to school will be expected to help with any necessary arrangements for getting children home, should any arrive despite the announcements of school closure. The most senior member of staff present in school will be delegated to administer the necessary duties of the day in the absence of the Head or Deputy.
SCHOOL CLOSURE PROCEDURE
It is the policy of the school to remain open wherever possible. However, it is recognised that the safety of pupils and staff should always be considered when making the decision to close or stay open.
IN THE EVENT OF THE HEAD TEACHER DECLARING THE SCHOOL CLOSED DUE TO BAD WEATHER OR OTHER EMERGENCY, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE IN SCHOOL SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT:-
In the absence of the Head or Deputy the senior teacher in school takes charge, or such person delegated by the Head Teacher.
If the school is officially closed to pupils, send any children home, ensuring so far as possible that parents will be at home to receive them:
Inform the Education Office by using the emergency closure website.
Cancel any visits out of school or visiting parties to school.
Cancel milk with Dairy Crest on (01603) 433791.
Cancel dinners with the kitchen.
Inform Site Manager: Mr J Howard
Inform Chair of Governors: Mrs S Gamble.
Keep the Head Teacher informed if not in school.
On arrival at school during severe weather conditions should drivers wish to take pupils home they will be asked to wait in the dining room and the pupils will go to their classroom for registration and wait for parents to be informed of their return. Following this the pupils will then be sent to the dining room for their drivers/escorts to take them home.
This policy should be read alongside the LA's guidance on Emergency School Closures.
Signed……………………………………………..
Dated………………………………………………
To be reviewed Autumn 2015
Reviewed Spring 2014
ParksideSchool School Policy1
Severe Weather Conditions and other School Closures