Winter Planning Guidance for Schools in Kent

1 November 2019

“Schools should, wherever possible, stay open in severe weather. They play a key role in their communities and by staying open help both their pupils and parents.” - Department for Education

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service.

The Winter Planning Guidance (DOCX, 189.7 KB) provides advice for Headteachers about the risks that schools may face, some preventative strategies and advice on how to communicate a school closure to parents, stakeholders and the Local Authority.

The aim of the guidance is to be a useful touchstone and offer reassurance that acting reasonably and applying sound risk assessment principles will enable Headteachers to determine risks and to confidently make the best decisions for schools.

North Kent

Ian Watts
Area Education Officer

Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks
Telephone: 03000 41 43 02
Email: Ian.Watts@kent.gov.uk

East Kent

Marisa White
Area Education Officer

Canterbury, Swale and Thanet
Telephone: 03000 41 87 94
Email: Marisa.White@kent.gov.uk

South Kent

David Adams
Area Education Officer

Ashford, Dover and Shepway
Telephone: 03000 41 49 89
Email: David.Adams@kent.gov.uk

West Kent

Nick Abrahams
Area Education Officer

Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
Telephone: 03000 41 00 58
Email: Nicholas.Abrahams@kent.gov.uk