‘2010 Snow Summit’‘Things can only get better…’

Chris Harrison

National Association of Head Teachers

Managing emergencies…

Clear policy expectations for all schools to ‘cover’ emergencies, including weather

Wide range of circumstances, including off site Who does what, when, where, why Communication between all in school – staff, governors, parents

and local authority Frequent reminders – newletters, website, texting services Contact information – updates and reminders

Judgement…

Preparation – policy and practice Information – clear understanding for all Communication – who needs to know what and when? Safety of all – NOT at school, but getting there and back again Length of closure? Alternatives?

The School Project…

Lengthy school closures Impact on learning? Options for maintaining learning programmes? Planning and preparation Training staff, children and parents Wider potential to support learning

External factors…

LA strategy, or not? One off or potential longer term disruption? Rurality factors for staff and children Movement in village communities Prioritising schools, or not? Policy? P1 P2 P3 P4 hierarchical approaches

Changes during the day?

Communication with home, parents Duty of care for both staff and children Neighbouring news in shire authorities eg Northants approach Assurance that children will be cared for – and safe Teachers as parents also need to travel

Snowday website

www.snowday.co.uk NOT just for snowy weather Events, news, inset training days, holiday dates and emergency

contact arrangements No cost to parents Better than ‘crashing’ on LA websites

The learning curve…

Texting services Radio better than TV for up to date local news Programmes of work online Policy for schools to remain open – or not? Is your journey really necessary – teacher, parent, child?

Alternatives?