school closures

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School closures

Schools have clear guidance on both school closures due to severe weather and informing parents and guardians.

We understand that school closures pose an inconvenience to parents, but the safety of pupils, staff and visitors is of paramount importance.  

Closing a school is never an easy option. They should remain open wherever possible, with closure always considered as the last resort and every effort made to give adequate notice of closures to parents and guardians.

Before making the decision to close, head teachers undertake a rigorous risk assessment and decide if there is significant risk of severe injury, ill health or inability to comply with relevant legislation.

A decision is taken on the basis of weather forecasts and on-the-spot observations and this is why closures are often decided on the morning itself. Head teachers then inform local radio stations and the local authority which highlights closures on this webpage.

Although concerns have been raised that schools may be more liable for prosecution if they choose to stay open during severe weather and an incident occurs, head teachers base decisions to close on a risk assessment and not on the fear of compensation claims. As long as schools do what is reasonable to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff it is unlikely that the school would be found negligent.

If closures are necessary, we'll publish information here. If you can't see your school on this list, please go to the Heart radio website or The Argus website and check their lists of school closures.