Severe Weather and School Closures: What Families Should Know

Storms, snow, flooding and extreme heat can all disrupt the school day. Here's how decisions are made and how to stay informed.

Seasonal · Weather3 Oct 20264 min read

Government guidance for schools in England says that during severe weather, schools should stay open and let as many pupils attend as possible, where it is safe to do so. A school may close temporarily if it can't be reached safely or there's a risk of injury, but should reopen as soon as it can.

How you'll find out

Closures are usually announced by text or app message from the school, on the school website, and on your local council's school closures page. Make sure the school office has your current mobile number. Some schools provide remote learning during a closure.

Met Office warnings

The Met Office issues yellow, amber and red weather warnings. Yellow covers a range of situations, so read the details. Amber means an increased likelihood of disruption. Red means dangerous weather is expected and there is very likely to be a risk to life.

Emergency Alerts on your phoneIn a life-threatening emergency, such as severe flooding, the government can send an Emergency Alert to phones in the area. Your phone will make a loud siren-like sound, even on silent. Stop what you're doing and follow the instructions. If you're driving, pull over safely first.

Sources

Emergency planning and response for education, childcare and children's social care settings (Department for Education)
UK weather warnings (Met Office)
Emergency Alerts (GOV.UK)

This guidance applies to England. Schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow their own national or local authority guidance on closures. Met Office warnings and Emergency Alerts cover the whole UK.

This post is general information. Your school's own plan comes first, so ask the school office for its procedures.