13th June 2024
In view of the upcoming general election, we have had an increase in calls to our HR Advisory Service around the impact of using schools premises as a polling station.
We've summarised the key facts below:
- If school premises are used as a polling station there is no requirement for the school to close
- Any decision on closure will be for the headteacher to determine following a risk assessment on pupil safety and consultation with the chair and /or governing body
- In most circumstances, the buildings will only be closed to pupils.
- Non-classroom-based staff will still have access to the site and can therefore be expected to attend for work as normal
- For classroom-based staff alternative work will need to be identified, to be performed either at home or on school premises, this could include planning, preparation and assessment work or CPD activities
- For lunchtime supervisors reasonable alternative working arrangements are unlikely to be practical unless training can be organised (If not required to attend work they should receive their normal pay for the day)
- Schools can choose to reschedule an INSET day for all staff to fall on polling day to avoid losing a teaching day
If you would like to access detailed guidance on Managing Staffing Issues related to Exceptional School Closures you can find it here free to view on our HR Hub until 4 July.
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