Solihull Council speaks up!

This is the message from our Chief Executive at Solihull Council regarding the snow!

Message from the Chief Executive

School Closures - Tuesday 3 February 2009
In response to a number of enquiries from parents, carers and the wider community this morning, please find below the Council's rationale for decision to close the Borough's schools today.

The primary reasons for reaching a decision to close were:

*The weather forecasts received from the Met Office throughout Monday 2nd repeatedly indicated further potentially significant falls of snow - both during the afternoon (which, indeed, materialised) and overnight (which did not materialise). Additionally, it was also forecast that, following the further falls, there would be a drop to sub zero temperatures before dawn resulting in dangerous icy conditions on untreated surfaces;
*Throughout Monday morning and afternoon, the Council had received a range of calls from head teachers, parents/carers and the public expressing concern for the safety of children, young people and workers should there be further snowfall and/or ice - and, importantly, asking for an early decision about the likelihood of closures in order for childcare plans be made;
*Information from neighbouring Councils suggested that they were in the same position in terms of forecasting more snow (and overnight ice), receiving concerns about pupil safety and being requested to make an early decision.

In the past, it has been common to wait until early morning to announce closures, but this has proven problematic in terms of the short notice it leaves for making childcare arrangements. Therefore, with the above factors in mind, it was decided that it would be most helpful to advise schools and the media in advance of the main evening news bulletins (at 6.00 pm) of our intention - which, on the available information, strongly suggested that closures would be justifiable and necessary.

As it turned out, the weather conditions did not materialise and it is probable that many, if not all, of our schools could have opened today. As the Council's Chief Executive I fully accept responsibility for the decision taken yesterday and regret that the Council's proactivity has proven unnecessary in the changed circumstances of much improved weather conditions. I do apologise to those children, young people and families who have had a disrupted day and hope that you will understand the inexact science involved in reaching a decision.

It is with some trepidation that I announce that it is the Council's advice to all schools that they can safely re-open tomorrow (ie Wednesday 4th February).

Mark Rogers
Chief Executive

He may be concerned, but not enough to get the playgrounds of the two schools my children attend freed from snow. All that happened was that the schools closed. Chief executives are paid handsomely for the work they do. In emergencies or situations like this, it is paramount that common sense prevails. Mr. Rogers has "inexact science" to rely on. The weather forecast predicted no snow for today. Actually, he is concerned about the authority being sued over accidents. But he would not get accidents if he cleared the playgrounds of snow. I contend that this is a very poor reaction to a very simple matter. If he is relying on Mother Nature to bail him out we have come to a pretty poor pass!