A commitment to stay open whenever possible
Holyhead School will remain open whenever it is safe to do so. Emergency closure will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where the safety of students, staff or visitors cannot be guaranteed, or where the school site is unable to operate safely. 

When might the School close?

Below are the primary health and safety reasons that could lead to an emergency closure of the school:

 

• Utility failures: Loss of running water, electricity, or sanitation systems that makes the building legally uninhabitable.
• Severe weather access: Heavy snow, ice, or flooding that makes the school grounds unsafe or prevents safe travel for pupils and staff.
• Insufficient staffing levels: Severe staff shortages caused by widespread illness or travel disruptions that leave the school unable to legally supervise pupils.
• Structural and site hazards: Immediate dangers such as gas leaks, structural damage, broken fire alarms, or exposure to hazardous materials like disturbed asbestos.
• Public health and security: Major infectious disease outbreaks or active security threats where emergency services or public health bodies advise closure.

The school will only close in the following circumstances:

• If there is a central decision made to close by the Local Authority or Central Region Schools Trust
• If the Principal and Governors decide to close the school due to deteriorating weather or unforeseen circumstances, for instance burst pipes or a heating failure.    

It would be very helpful if parents/carers could make provisional arrangements in the event of any emergency closure (who your child could stay with during the day or go to in the event of a closure during the school day itself) and make sure that your child understands them.

How we will communicate:

Part 1: What would happen in an emergency closure before the start of the school day

The decision to close the school, unless directed by Birmingham City Council, is usually made in the morning based on a risk assessment of conditions carried out by the Principal or Deputy Principals. However, if there is any additional information that we feel would be helpful to share with parents/carers we will update the website at the earliest opportunity.

How will I know if the school is closed?
If Holyhead School needs to close, parents and carers will be informed through:
✅ Arbor text message - Sent to all Primary Guardians registered on Arbor
✅ Arbor email - Sent to all Primary Guardians registered on Arbor
✅ School website homepage alert - This will be in an Alert box on the homepage
✅ School social media channels
✅ Local radio stations (BBC WM - 95.6FM; Free Radio - 96.4FM; Heart West Midlands 100.7FM)

We aim to communicate any closure decision by 7:00am wherever possible.

Part 2: What would happen in an emergency closure during the school day

We will always do all we can to stay open. However, there may well be health and safety reasons which would mean we would have to close during the day and dismiss students safely before 3.15pm. 

We would suggest all parents/carers nominate a safe destination so that your child knows where to go in the event of such an emergency closure. This may be your home if there is someone at home during the school day or your child is old enough, or it could be a nearby relative or friend’s house. Students will never be asked to leave the site immediately. Adequate supervision will remain in place for any student who is unable to return home safely or where alternative arrangements need to be made by parents/carers.

In the event that we needed to close the school (or a partial closure to specific year groups) during the school day, we plan to complete the following actions in advance of students being sent home:

• Notify the local radio stations (especially Heart FM West Midlands, BBC West Midlands and Free Radio West Midlands).
• Sent a text message and an email to all the mobile phone numbers/email addresses of parents/carers with parental responsibility we currently have in Arbor.
• Place an emergency message on the homepage of our website and social media feeds.

Following the sending of these methods of communication, we would only dismiss students no earlier than 30 minutes later. Any students who are unable to make their own way home may remain in school until 3.15pm where they will be supervised by staff.

We hope you appreciate that any decision to close the school is never made lightly. The safety of students, parents/carers and staff will always remain the priority when making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not receive a text message?
Please ensure your contact information in Arbor is kept up to date and check the school website for the latest information.

What happens if my child cannot get home safely?
They will remain supervised in school until arrangements can be made.

Will online learning be provided?
Where appropriate and practical, work may be set through the school's usual online learning platforms, including Google Classroom.

What about examinations?
Any arrangements relating to public examinations will be communicated directly to affected students and families.

These procedures are reviewed annually or sooner if required following significant incidents or changes to local or national guidance.