Schools normally stay open during bad weather. They should have plans in place for storms, flooding, snow, ice, high winds, heatwaves and extreme cold. These plans will include how to keep pupils safe and learning. A weather warning does not automatically mean a school will close, but on rare occasions, they might need to close or operate at a reduced level.
Do I have to send my child to school in bad weather?
Yes, if your child's school is open and it is safe to travel. Ordinary bad weather, like light snow or cold conditions, is not normally a reason for your child to miss school.
In some exceptional circumstances, the weather may cause widespread travel disruption and stop children from being able to get to school in their usual way. Consider safe travel alternatives and discuss any issues with the school as soon as possible. If your child cannot attend, tell the school promptly, in line with its usual attendance and absence policy.
What will my child's school day look like in bad weather?
Schools might adapt activities where needed in bad weather. Changes may include:
- Using indoor or sheltered spaces for lessons and breaks.
- Moving PE and outdoor activities indoors or to different times.
- Relaxing uniform rules, for example allowing warmer clothes.
- Reorganising classes or staffing if some staff cannot attend.
- Prioritising vulnerable children, children of critical workers and any children taking exams where attendance has to be limited.
- Adjusting timetables while maintaining teaching time.
How do schools prepare for bad weather?
Schools should be monitoring guidance and signing up to alerts from the Met Office, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Environment Agency.
These alerts help schools plan for risks and support vulnerable pupils and staff, based on their local conditions, their buildings and pupils’ needs.
Who decides if schools should close in bad weather?
Schools set their own bad-weather plans and decide whether it is safe to open, based on a risk assessment and local conditions.
They consider issues such as safe staffing levels, access to the school and temperatures inside buildings.
If your child’s school must close temporarily, it should provide remote learning until it is safe to reopen. This could include online or recorded lessons, resources or work to complete at home.
Remote learning cannot fully replace being in school, but it can help minimise disruption during a temporary closure.
What if my child is more vulnerable to this weather?
Schools should keep a close eye on vulnerable pupils in bad weather. If your child has a health condition that makes them particularly vulnerable, speak to the school about any extra adjustments they need.
How will I find out if my child's school is closed?
Schools should give you as much notice as possible about closures and explain any changes they are making to keep pupils safe.
Check your email, school app, website or school social media accounts regularly for updates.