Stoke Primary School School Closure Policy

Introduction

School closure could result from severe weather conditions, loss of power, heating, water or other essential services.

There is a duty on Governors and on the City Council to provide an educational service for children and young people. Decisions concerned with school closures due to severe weather conditions are therefore most appropriately made on a school by school basis reflecting local circumstances. There is a duty on Governors and on the City Council to provide an educational service for children and young people.

Extreme Weather Conditions

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the Headteacher and Site Services Officer will risk assess the school site and make an informed decision of whether or not the school is to be closed. This may include seeking further guidance or advice from Education & Learning Services and other City Council Directorates. If this advice is to recommend that schools in general close this will be given out by local radio stations to help parents. Other local media will be asked to carry the same message.

School Closure Assessment Criteria

Head Teachers, in consultation where practicable with their Chair of Governors, should assess the situation. In their assessment they should take account of the:

1. a) safety and accessibility of the site and surrounding area
2. b) availability of heat, light, power and water
3. c) availability of staff
4. d) availability of meals

Communication of Open/Closed Decision

The decision of school closure should be taken at an appropriate time, preferably the day before any closure and should allow for adequate communication of the decision to parents and pupils. In the event that weather conditions deteriorate overnight, the Head Teacher should liaise with the Site Service Officer to risk assess the conditions against the above criteria.

Stoke Primary School will use school text messages, emails, Facebook, and the school website to communicate the decision to parents/carers. Local radio stations also support this by communicating school closures on local radio stations.

If it has snowed, or is snowing, will use Coventry City Council's (www.coventry.gov.uk/snowlinelogin) and complete the online proforma to confirm whether the school is open or closed. This information will be automatically e-mailed to the local radio stations, the e-Communications team, CLYP, Transport and Catering Services.

Parents/Carer

Parents should be encouraged to listen to the local radio stations for up to date information, they can also find information at: www.coventry.gov.uk/schoolclosures

Closures will also be reported on Coventry City Council's Twitter account:

www.twitter.com/coventrycc and Facebook account www.facebook.com/coventrycc

Parents/Carers should be requested not to telephone the media as this may impede communication between schools and the radio station.

Closure of school during the school day

If a situation develops during the school day which results in the school having to be closed early, the Chair of Governors will be contacted; parents/carers will be notified and asked to collect their child as soon as possible.  The LA will also be informed of the decision.

At least two members of staff will remain on site until all children have left the premises.  Staff who live furthest from the school will be allowed to leave first.

Updates will be communicated via text, emails, the school website and Facebook page.