Hundreds of schools across the country have closed this week due to severe winter weather. Snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures forced schools to shut their doors on Monday and Tuesday, leaving thousands of children at home after the holidays. North Yorkshire Council alone listed 50 school closures on Tuesday.
Headteachers hold the authority to decide whether schools close during adverse conditions. They assess factors like staff availability, the safety of travel routes, and whether school buildings can maintain safe temperatures. Schools typically notify parents through email, text messages, dedicated apps, or website updates. Local council websites and radio stations also publish closure lists.
Parental Rights and Options
Parents are entitled to take emergency time off work when schools close unexpectedly. However, employers are not legally required to pay for this leave. Parents should inform their employers as soon as possible about the closure and anticipated absence.
Alternative arrangements include requesting flexible working options like working from home or adjusting hours. Parents can also use last-minute annual leave if available. When schools remain open but parents judge travel conditions unsafe, they can notify the school of their child's absence through standard procedures.
Remote Learning Provisions
The Department for Education advises schools that close due to severe weather to consider implementing remote learning. Schools are expected to have education plans ready, which may include recorded or online sessions with teachers, or work accessible through digital platforms.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
