Severe weather policy: guidance and examples

What to include in your policy

When the school can be closed

Reasons for closure might include:

• Health and safety: the school site or the journey to school will constitute a risk
• Lack of staff: there aren't enough staff members available to run the school safely

Steps to keep the school open

Include any temporary measures you will take to try to keep the school open if some staff can’t make it to work.

Consider combining classes, using other school staff to provide cover for supervision, or rearranging the curriculum to work around staff shortages.

You are allowed to temporarily exceed infant class size limits in these circumstances.

See the DfE’s emergency planning and response guidance for more information.

Encourage pupils to bring coats, hats, and gloves when it is cold or snowing Use grit and/or salt on paths