Emergency School Closures 2020 Onwards

I would like to be sent:



1.1) A year-by-year breakdown of the number of emergency school closures that took place between January 1, 2020, and the most recently recorded date.



1.2) I would like the figures to be broken down by the reason for the closure as well, please



2) Details on whether all schools in the area - including academies - have to report emergency closures to the local authority



3) Details on whether schools need to inform the local authority of decisions to go into lockdowns
 

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

1. There have been 143 reported closures (full and part) since September 2021, but we have no records before that. Attached shows a year by year breakdown. Please note that this information only includes ones we have been informed about and have a record for, there may have been others.

1. A breakdown of the reasons is included in the attached.

2. They do not “have” to, but are requested to. All schools (including academies) are written to at the beginning of each academic year regarding guidance on emergency closure. This is usually as a result of bad weather impacting the safety of children and staff, particularly in relation to travel. The decision to close an establishment is one for the head teacher/principal (or his/her deputy in their absence) and the chair of governors/trustee of the school, based on the actual or expected situation in their area. Schools and academies are expected to notify the county council that they are fully closing or partially closing at the earliest possible stage. We need this information as soon as possible to be able to update our website and warn parents/students who may be looking for updates and to review or stop services we provide e.g. school transport. However, they do not have to tell us, and should be taking steps themselves to warn your parents and pupils/students through their own communications channels.

3. The Same as above applies.