Severe Weather Briefing Note

Statement by Suffolk Local Authority to School Staff, presented to the Teachers' JNC on 30th April 2008

• Staff should not report to any school than their own.  The reason for this change was to ensure the safety of children as it would not be possible for a headteacher to be certain if the person concerned had a current/valid CRB check.
• Staff should not place themselves in danger and need to be aware of their local conditions.
• Reflecting the professional expectations of school staff, individuals should report for work in person if possible and without taking undue risk.  If unable to get to their place of employment, staff should endeavour to contact the school as early as possible.
• All schools are advised annually in the autumn term to ensure they have appropriate arrangements for staff and pupils in place in the event of severe weather, particularly on how staff should be communicated with and by when.  Schools should be ensure that the safety of pupils and staff is paramount in their emergency planning.
• The current arrangements used by schools across the county for closure in the event of severe weather is reviewed on an annual basis and any changes are communicated to schools by November.  Schools are expected to ensure that staff, parents and pupils are informed of the arrangements in the event of school closure.  Where possible schools are expected to remain open or open later in the day should conditions be appropriate.  Schools should ensure that their arrangements for informing staff, parents and pupils of any late opening are robust.