Some south west London pupils got an unexpected day off after several schools shut on Monday (December 11) when the capital was hit by ice and snow .
Those parents who had to reschedule their day to take care of their children might be wondering how schools decide when to shut.
Schools will make the decision individually whether they have to close due to bad weather.
Some councils list the closed schools on their website but it's the headteachers who have to make the call.
Snow disruption
The heads of schools will take into account health and safety guidelines and have to complete a risk assessment process.
Factors determining if a school has to shut are focused on pupils' safety.
Schools have to be sure that youngsters can safely make their way to and from school and that the campus will remain a safe throughout the day, Cambridge News reports.
Their head teachers have to carry out a risk assessment that takes into account, the state of paths, steps and slopes around the school; the condition of roads and paths in the area; the availability of public transport and school coaches; the weather forecast and whether catering can be provided.
Headteachers' risk assessment factors for closing a school
The risk assessment is conducted taking into account factors including
- The state of pathways, steps and slopes around the school
- Condition of roads and pathways in the local area
- If the school's heating, lighting and water is working correctly
- Whether catering can be provided
- Availability of public transport and school coaches
- The weather forecast
Schools may also need to close due to other unforeseen circumstances.
The issue of school closures can prove particularly contentious when nearby businesses, for example, stay open.
However, schools have to take into account special health and safety guidelines - such as staff ratios, which will be hit if teachers are unable to travel in.
Other factors such as the safety of playgrounds that have become too icy to walk on safely can also play a role.
Schools are advised to make a decision to close as early as possible, in order to inform parents and carers in good time.
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