Winter preparedness
As we prepare for colder weather, please consider any extra steps you need to take to ensure you are prepared; take this opportunity to review your Business Continuity plan and make any updates you need to in advance of a disruption.
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.
We know that leaders will always strive to keep schools and Early Years providers open for as many pupils as possible, provided it is safe to do so. Should a full or partial closure become unavoidable due to health and safety concerns for staff and pupils, we are know you will ensure reopening takes place promptly once weather conditions have improved and the site is deemed safe.
Property Maintenance
It is important that you check the building and review and undertake any repairs that may be required.
Essential maintenance for winter preparedness includes fixing leaking roofs and clearing gutters and blocked downpipes. Ensure regular checks are completed for example:
- Areas of damp on interior walls should be investigated and the causes remedied.
- Ensure that external ground is below the damp proof course.
- Check that brickwork is in good condition and pointing and rendering is all in place.
- Windows and doors should be free from water seepage, excessive drafts and broken glazing.
- Check that water pipes are suitably insulated.
- Ensure gullies, drains, ditches and soak-aways are cleared.
Ensuring Access
Ensure safe access to the school setting during winter:
- Ensure autumn leaves are cleared.
- Check there is a stock of grit and rock-salt obtained for dealing with ice build-up on walkways.
- Check external lighting.
All schools should have in place policies and procedures for ice and snow management to ensure the safety of adults and children and young people.
It is important that Risk assessments are in place to determine if outdoor play areas are safe or appropriate to use during bad weather.
Heating and Ventilation
Schools must check that adequate arrangements are in place in advance of colder weather.
- Boilers and heating systems should be regularly serviced.
- All radiators should be working effectively.
- Room temperatures should be monitored.
- Review emergency repair arrangements.
- Review of ventilation to ensure it is sufficient.
Business Continuity plans should be updated with actions that needs to be taken in the event of a boiler or power failure.
Infections and illnesses
As winter approaches staff and pupils in schools continue to be particularly susceptible to widespread infections. Health plans and arrangements may need to be reviewed. School nurses are well placed to advise about health issues associated with cold weather.
Consider and review your action card on "shortage of staff" within your Business Continuity plan and be prepared to;
- Have plans for some flexibility of staff duties and activities.
- Implement remote learning where possible.
- Have deep cleaning arrangements prepared if required.
Floods
Wet and stormy winter weather inevitably raises the risks of more serious flooding and can cause problems on the school site as well as stopping staff or pupils from getting to school.
Schools should carry out appropriate assessments to determine flood risks and look out for flood warnings during periods of heavy rainfall. Flood warnings can be obtained from the Environment Agency online here or via the national Floodline telephone service on 0845 988 1188.
Where a risk is identified schools or Early Years providers should:
- Ensure that buildings are designed and managed to be as safe from flooding as possible.
- Update Business Continuity plans for coping with both minor and major flooding disruption — these should include evacuation plans.
- School staff should be trained so they know what to do in the event of a flooding incident.
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].
