Winter Preparedness

Heavy snowfall, freezing or stormy weather can cause problems, bringing with it travel issues, power cuts and flooding. In addition, each year some schools experience temporary closure or disruption where heating systems fail or where snowfall makes travelling too hazardous.

Winter is a time when health problems emerge, amongst children and adults.  For instance, respiratory health problems such as asthma are made worse in the winter. Other infectious diseases become more common as temperatures drop, and people spend more time together indoors and less time outside.

As part of your Business Continuity arrangements, you should develop strategies for alerting parents in advance and be ready to implement them when severe weather is imminent or begins. It is essential that schools confirm they can access and use the Local Authority's Emergency School Closures system, including verifying usernames and passwords. This system is also utilised by businesses providing services to schools, such as transport providers.

In general, schools and Early Years providers should make every effort to keep open for as many pupils as possible, if safe to do so. If full or partial closure is absolutely necessary, where the health and safety of staff and pupils cannot be maintained, they should reopen as soon as possible after the weather has improved and once the site has been made safe.

Summary

• Winter weather can cause property damage to schools and Early Years settings, as well as leading to health issues and disruption.
• Schools should ensure critical maintenance checks of the school are completed.
• Access should be ensured by maintaining car parks, pathways, steps and entrances.
• Adequate heating and ventilation should be in place.
• Viruses are spread easily indoors and there are general health issues associated with cold weather and cold housing.
• Carry out an assessment of the risk of flooding, either from the sea or from rivers.
• Ensure your Business Continuity plan has been updated, that you have updated telephones numbers and other senior teachers in the school are aware of the contents of the plan for your school.  Your Business Continuity plan should be tested/exercised once a year by discussing the plan and a scenario with staff.
• For support or advice on Business Continuity please contact [email protected]

Further advice and information

• Emergency School closures - Guidance on Emergency School Closures
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with engagement from the Department for Education (DfE) has produced guidance on Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during cold weather: teachers and other educational professionals