Emergency Closures Policy
Introduction
The drafting of this Emergency Closures Policy involved parents, staff and Board of Management of Lusk National School.
Rationale
The need for a policy on emergency closures is primarily due to:
- Inclement weather, such as heavy snowfalls, high winds and floods
- Building programmes and alterations to the design of the school which would necessitate unscheduled closures on Health and Safety grounds
- Possible disconnection or failure of heat, electricity or water supply
- Critical incident/death
Relationship to School Ethos
Lusk National School strives to provide a child friendly, secure environment catering for all the needs of all students as far as is practicable and where respect is fostered in a culture which values diversity and difference.
Aims and Objectives
- To provide for the welfare of all pupils while on the school premises
- To ensure a safe, child friendly school environment is available to all children
- To comply with Health and Safety legislation
Procedures re. Heavy Snowfall, Storms and Floods
In the event of a heavy snowfall, serious storms, flooding or unexpected event, the Principal shall consult with the Chairperson of the Board of Management as soon as is feasible, and a decision will be made as to whether it is in the interests of all parties to close the school. This decision will be communicated to the parent body via the school website and recorded message on the school phone line. If the school is already opened and is in operation when high winds, heavy snowfall or floods occur and remaining on the premises is a risk to all, parents will be immediately contacted by phone or text and advised to collect their children. Teachers will remain on the premises until all the children have been collected.
Building Works
It is planned to carry out major building work on the school grounds in the coming years. It is expected that the school will continue operations during this work. However it is possible that major construction work could on occasion impede the safe operation of the school. The school Board of Management will remain in regular contact with building contractors during any such programme and communicate through circular and the school website with parents/guardians regarding possible closures.
Disconnection of Services
Where water or electricity services to the school are to be disconnected, a week’s notification is normally given to the school authorities. This enables the school to furnish the parent body with the relevant advance warning of such closures via circular and/or the school website.
Critical Incident/Death
In some instances the school might remain closed for pupils in the event of a critical incident or death of a staff member, Board of Management member or pupil. Parents are informed of such closures either by circular or text. In this particular instance, the school may remain open to staff and Board of Management or Parents Association if issues such as church services, guards of honour, readings or counselling is required.
Please note
All half days and in-service closures are notified to parents at least one week in advance.
Review
This policy will be reviewed during the school year 2012- 2013.
Signed:___________________________________
Chairperson, Board of Management:
Signed: ___________________________________
Principal Teacher
