Snow day ...close or not to close ?

As a Headteacher there are always difficult decisions to make at various times of year and winter is one of them. It is rare that we have a harsh winter but when we experience a few days of heavy snow it seems to send the country into wild panic. However over the years I think most of us have got it right when it comes to making a decision regarding school closures. The first factor to consider is can students get to school, in rural areas this is often a problem whilst in urban areas the majority of students can walk to school. The second consideration is what happens when they get there, are the access paths and roads passable, is the site free from ice and snow in key areas? Can the school be made liable if a child falls down and breaks a bone? Has everything been do or can it be done to open the school with out risk of injury. The next stage is to ask can staff get in to work. This is where there is often a difference between secondary and primary schools. Secondary schools have a large number of staff, many of whom commute long distances. Are the main feeder routes open and safe, can staff access these roads? The number of staff able to get in does of cause effect the number of classes that can be taught in a normal way. That's why some schools when pushed often say only students from exam years to come in, so that at least important GCSE courses are not disrupted. In years gone by I can remember a handful of staff making it in and entertaining over 200 students for a day of fun and sporting activities ending with the staff v students snowball fight. This is less likely to happen today where health and safety and staff student ratios are important. The day of the week can also make a difference. A heavy snowfall on a Sunday can impact greatly on a Monday morning when the school and site staff are less prepared. Whilst later in the week car and foot traffic will erode the ice and snow and enable easier access.

So all in all we have to take a strategic view and make a decision based on the best interests of staff and students, unfortunately this can often have an impact on what parents then do, particularly where younger children are involved. Fortunately these days are few and far between and there are those people who would argue ' isn't it good for children of all ages to have a day of fun in the snow!'