Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 11 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 January 2010. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 14 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Schools: Snow and Ice

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what advice he has given to (a) schools and (b) education authorities on teachers using electronic communications to undertake distance teaching for pupils at schools closed because of inclement weather; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Department published guidance, "Supporting Learning during Extended School Closures", in 2008, and made some minor amendments to it in 2009. The guidance can be found on the Department's teachernet website at:"http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id-14642"The guidance was located within our guidance on pandemic flu. We added to our guidance on severe weather a link to this guidance in the first week of January 2010. We also sent an e-mail to all schools and local authorities that week reminding them of the guidance on severe weather.

Secondary information