Temporary closures of schools and nurseries - statutory guidance update: equality impact assessment

Background

The updated guidance for the temporary closure of schools and council-run nurseries is intended to support local authorities in considering and managing temporary closures in a transparent and consistent way. Temporary closures are not explicitly provided for in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, and existing non-statutory guidance was relatively brief. The updated guidance provides additional clarity on expectations around decision-making and the factors local authorities may consider, including impacts on children and young people, educational benefit, families and communities including rural and island communities, and the need for appropriate engagement.

The purpose of the guidance is to support informed and proportionate decision making while prioritising the rights, wellbeing and educational experience of children and young people.

The guidance represents a revision to existing policy rather than a new policy initiative. Its development was informed by the existing statutory and non-statutory framework, interest in the issue through correspondence and media coverage, and engagement with local authorities, which highlighted variation in practice and a need for clearer information to support decision-making and engagement during periods of temporary closure.

Temporary closures may directly affect children and young people who attend schools or council-run early learning and childcare (ELC) settings that are temporarily closed, including through changes to learning environments, routines, travel arrangements and continuity of relationships. Families and carers may be affected by changes to childcare, travel and work patterns. School and ELC staff may be affected through changes to working arrangements during periods of closure. Wider communities, particularly in rural and island areas where schools and nurseries can play an important community role, may experience indirect impacts.