All schools should have an up-to-date emergency plan to help deal with a crisis or unexpected event quickly and in an organised way.

Headteachers need to be clear about how they will communicate information to staff, parents, children and the media, with named contacts and their responsibilities should an emergency occur.

This advice deals for the most part with adverse weather conditions, schools will have their own plans that cover other eventualities. The Civil Contingencies Office will offer support to schools in the creation of the School Emergency Plan.

There is a presumption against the complete closure of a school due to adverse weather conditions, therefore headteachers must be seen to have explored a range of options in order to maintain an educational provision for children before deciding to close.

In the event of an emergency closure, schools should email schooladmissions@northumberland.gov.uk, giving the reason for closure and the duration of the closure. The reason for closure should be more detailed than ‘adverse weather’ and should include underlying issues, for example Health and Safety implications. If the county council is made aware of the reasons for closure, measures could be put in place to help your school open at the earliest opportunity.

If your school operates a Specialist Support Base, please confirm if the closure relates to the main school, the base or both settings.

If you have internet connection issues and cannot send an email, contact the council via:

• 0345 600 6400 (Contact Centre)
• 01670 624889 (School Admissions Team)

If phone lines are busy or there is no one available please leave a voicemail message.

The council website will contain regular weather updates during periods of bad weather and schools can publicise school closures using the secure County Council computer network.

If you have any queries or you need advice please contact Jill Atkinson via jill.atkinson@northumberland.gov.uk