Emergency Closure Pack

Be prepared for your next Emergency Closure with this pack. Pack includes:

• Notes on how to put the policy together
• A sample policy (in Microsoft word) which is editable. This gives the wording to suit the various scenarios and you can choose from the options to suit your service
• An Adverse Weather Risk Assessment

Some important tips on preparing your Emergency Closure Policy

Ensure your policy does not contradict the following:

• Another policy
• Parental agreements already in place
• The contract of employment
• Related policy in the staff handbook if you have one

Remember:

• Your parent handbook or parental agreement may need to change where you make it clear what your policy is in relation to the payment of parental fees
• Your contract of employment may need adjusting where you state clearly your procedure on closures and the options available to you as an employer
• There is no requirement legally for employers to pay employees for days that they do not work. However, it is important, to be aware of any previous custom and practice (i.e. what have you done previously)
• It is also important not to start a precedent that may have implications for the future. For example, if you decide to pay staff if absence (e.g. in the case of Force majeure being granted by DCYA through Pobal) have you taken account of a situation where force majeure may not be given? You may need to distinguish between different circumstances to allow you pay staff in these circumstances (where you get paid) and circumstances where you don’t get paid.
• In addition, check what your contract says as this may give a clear direction of what you should do.

These are just some hints on putting together a policy on emergency closures. The Emergency Closure Policy gives you all the options and wording to suit your business.

Remember our Early Years Resource Factory members receive a 15% discount on this pack