School Closure

Severe Weather

How the decision is made whether to close the school in adverse weather

The decision to close the school for any reason is a significant one. It is, of course, the loss of a day’s learning for every student. In addition to this, the vast majority of our parents work and so it also creates major difficulties for the best part of 1200 families in the morning. That being said, there are times when we do have to close the school and the summary below outlines just some of the variables and situations we consider when making the decision to close the school due to snow.

The decision making process

1. The decision making process begins at 05.30, when a member of the Site Team opens the school to allow the morning cleaners to come in. The Premises & People Manager will make an assessment of the safety of the site. This will involve an assessment of the hard surfaces for both parking cars and walking on, alongside other issues such as heating and the effects of snow coming into the building.

2. The Headteacher and the Premises & People Manager will then discuss the assessment before 06.00.

3. If the site is considered safe, the next factor is to determine whether sufficient staff and students will be able to get into school to make lessons valuable. This is guided strongly by the decision made by the bus companies. They are the experts in deciding whether the road conditions are appropriate to allow their buses out. If the buses are running, it is therefore assumed that sufficient staff and students will be able to make it to school.

4. Taking all of the above into account, a decision is made in consultation between the Headteacher and the Chair of Governors, normally by 6.30. If the decision is to close the school this information will be displayed immediately on the school website and social media platforms. Please check our website and social media platforms before telephoning the school as this will save you time. We will also notify Lincolnshire County Council for inclusion on their school closure list and contact local radio stations.

5. Finally, a consideration of the forecast for the day is made. Clearly, this is extremely variable and difficult to judge. However, we have had situations where the bus companies wish to collect students early. Efforts will be made to contact parents to ascertain whether someone will be able to collect their child from school. We need to know that each student is safe and that parents know where they are. Without this knowledge we cannot let a student leave the school site.

What we would not wish to do is to put pressure on parents, students or staff who feel that the conditions are not safe for them. Clearly, it is for the individual to decide whether it is safe for them to come into school. The school’s guiding principle is that if it is safe to do so, we will aim to stay open. However, as outlined above, the decision is not a simple one as there are a host of different variables at play when coming to the conclusion of whether to close the school or not.

Remote Learning Procedure in the event of a School Closure

This procedure relates to a scenario when the school is closed to all students and when the delivery of Teaching & Learning will need to take place remotely.

1. Purpose:

• The details here outline the expectations and guidelines for remote learning associated with school closure.
• The aim is to ensure continuity of education and to best support students with learning during the closure period.

2. Communication and Access:

• All students will be notified of the school closure and the transition to remote learning through official communication channels (email, Satchel One, school website and social media).
• All students have access to Google Classroom and Satchel One.

3. Daily Schedule and Attendance:

• Students are expected to log on to Google Classroom and Satchel One and to check for assignments and instructions at the beginning of each school day.
• Students will follow their regular school timetable throughout the day (including am and pm registration).
• Students are expected to complete the assigned work for each period within the designated time frame.
• Teachers will keep a record of attendance with remote learning to every lesson (apart from am and pm registration).
• Students who are unable to engage in remote learning should contact the school office via email office@qehs.lincs.sch.uk.

4. Instruction and Support:

• Teachers will provide detailed instructions and resources for each lesson or assignment for timetabled lessons.
• While there is no expectation for live lessons, teachers may choose to conduct virtual lessons or provide recorded video lessons to support student learning.
• Teachers will be available during timetable lessons through Google Classroom (Google Meet) to answer questions and provide support.

5. Special Education and Support Services:

• Students with Special Education Needs or Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) will be a priority in offering space at school and will be provided additional support remotely through the Learning Support Team.

6. Parent and Guardian Involvement:

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their child's engagement with remote learning and provide support as required.

7. Internet Access and Technology:

• The school will work to ensure that all students have access to necessary technology and internet connectivity.
• Students who do not have access to technology or internet at home will be provided with alternative options, such as printed materials or offline assignments where possible in the event of a sustained period of school closure.

8. Privacy and Online Safety:

• Students and parents will be reminded of the importance of maintaining online safety and privacy.
• Teachers will follow best practices for online instruction and ensure the security of student information.
• The QEHS ICT code of conduct should be adhered to at all time.

9. Evaluation and Review:

• The effectiveness of the remote learning procedure will be evaluated periodically.

Feedback from students, parents/guardians and staff will be collected and used to make necessary adjustments and improvements to the remote learning experience.