Temporary Closure of Campus

First created	28 April 2015
Last reviewed	10 June 2020
Review cycle	Two years
Approver	Senior Leadership Team
Owner	Projects Manager
Stakeholders	Board members, staff, students, volunteers, visitors, contractors
Child Safety	National Principles 1, 8

Overview #

1. There are occasions when it is necessary for the Campus to close temporarily in the interests of health and safety to students and staff. In most cases this will be as a result of problems relating to facilities, or because of severe weather conditions.
2. The purpose of this policy is to ensure when the College Campus is closed temporarily all students and staff follow the correct procedures. It applies to all staff members and students of the College.

Policy Statements #

1. Authority to close a Campus for emergency reasons rests with the Principal of the Campus;
2. Correct procedure must be followed by all staff and students of the College.

Procedures #

1. When there is a building or heating problem: In the case of a building matter or heating problem which has health and safety implications, consideration should be given to whether a part closure rather than a full closure could be achieved in order to minimise disruption to education. Further contingency measures may be required if the closure is to be lengthy.
2. In the event of closure: In the event of closure, schools should make every effort to provide, where practicable, work for pupils to do at home unless other arrangements have been made.
3. Principal’s responsibilities:
   1. The authority to close a Campus for emergency reasons rests with the Principal of the Campus;
   2. The Principal must ensure that parents/guardians/carers know of the closure and that students can be picked up or can safely make their way home;
   3. The Principal is to communicate their decision regarding the closure, giving full details and the anticipated time frame, together with full instruction, to the Leadership Team, teaching staff and students. The Business Office is to be notified, together with all administration staff who are likely to take telephone queries from parents.