 Disruption from Volcanic Ash
19th April 2010
Dear headteachers,
As the disruption to flights continues we are aware that many staff and pupils will be stranded abroad. We are encouraging all schools to plan for business continuity.
School trips
Some trips to long haul destinations are still stranded. If you have not logged your trip on Evolve we will not be aware of it, so please call Sharon Robinson on 01992 555131 so we can monitor the situation. Please can all schools keep us updated of developments.
Insurance - If schools have travelled under Annual Travel Scheme Insurance they should contact the Insurer direct using the emergency Worldwide telephone contact no: AIG Insurance 020 8253 7401. The insurer underwrites this policy on our behalf and are best placed to answer questions.
For those schools who have travelled under the School Journey Policy you are advised to contact Zurich Insurance:
Emergency contact UK: 0845 271 3848
Abroad: 0044 845 271 3848.
Schools may wish to notify the local embassy abroad of their situation - details available on the Foreign Office website:
The county council will endeavour to support schools in any way we can to ensure schools are reimbursed as much as possible.
Payment for school staff stranded abroad
The decision as to whether to pay school staff stranded abroad needs to be a local decision to be made by the headteacher in conjunction with the chair of governors.
Schools HR advise you to take the following into consideration:
- Where in the world the staff are stranded and the opportunities for making alternative arrangements to get home
- Whether your budget will support special paid leave, balanced with the cost of supply staff
If staff are on school trips with students, Schools HR advise they continue to be paid.
If the school has concerns over the absence of the leadership team please contact us for advice.
Absence codes
We are currently seeking advice from the DCSF on absence codes for pupils stranded abroad. However the Attendance team has given the following:
Code V - Educational visit or trip
to be used for children who are on trips abroad and have not been able to get back to return to school.
Code C - Authorised absence
to be used for children where they have been on a family holiday over the Easter break and have not been able to get back due to the travel problems
Further information for the public is available on the Foreign Office website:
If you are calling from the UK and are concerned about a British national stranded overseas please call the FCO advice line on 020 7008 0000.
The Health Protection Agency has provided information, for those concerned about the health effects of the volcanic ash plume.
We are coordinating a press response to the media interest in the situation. Schools may wish to refer press enquiries to the HCC press office on 01992 588535.
Sent on behalf of John Harris
Sharon Robinson
Senior Communications Officer
CSF Communications
Hertfordshire County Council
Tel: 01992 555131
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