School absenteeism
School absenteeism in NRW
School can be canceled for various reasons - for example, extreme weather, technical problems or particularly dangerous situations. Clear rules apply in such cases.
Reasons for school absences
Severe weather (e.g. black ice, storm, heat)
Disruptions to the infrastructure (e.g. heating failure, power failure)
Hazardous situations (e.g. bomb disposal, pandemic)
Public transport strikes (only in exceptional cases)
Example:
In the event of heavy snowfall, face-to-face classes will be canceled for safety reasons.
Who decides?
The decision is usually made by the district government or the Ministry of Education. In acute cases, the school management can also act independently - e.g. in the event of a heating failure.
Example:
In the mornings, the district government informs students that classes have been canceled due to weather conditions.
Information for parents
Schools provide information via school portals, websites, email, apps or local radio stations. Parents are obliged to keep themselves informed about possible cancellations.
Example:
One Grundschule publishes current information on its homepage and via the school app.
Support during school absences
Emergency care is usually offered - especially for primary school children. The care takes place at the school, provided that safety is guaranteed.
Example:
Despite the cancellation of lessons due to the storm, childcare is offered in the OGS from 8 am to 1 pm.
Digital teaching
Where possible, distance learning is used - especially in secondary schools. Participation is compulsory.
Example:
A Gesamtschule conducts video lessons via teams when school is canceled.