Severe Weather

During severe cold winter weather or severe heat, schools and services can be affected for a variety of reasons, including:

• the access roads are not treated as they are not on a priority or severe weather route.
• pupils and staff are unable to reach school safely.
• public transport is severely disrupted.
• problems with the heating, cooling and/or water supply.
• access routes around the school are considered hazardous or are blocked by snow and ice.

We keep adequate stocks of salt and gritting material and as soon as treacherous conditions develop, gritting and/or salt scattering is carried out to provide a direct pathway to the school.

Emergency School Closures

In the event of severe weather conditions, the Head Teacher has the final decision which is made in collaboration and discussion with the Chair of Governors.

Following an assessment of the situation, in consultation with relevant staff, a decision will be made on whether or not to close the school.

If an emergency closure of the school is to be carried out, the following procedures will take place:

• We will send a text/e-mail to the main contact on your child’s record from Arbor.
• We will put information on the school’s website.

If a emergency school closure occurs during the school day we will make plans to vacate the school.

• Parents who arrive at the school will be greeted at the main entrance by a member of staff who will then arrange for the child/children to join them and be taken home.
• If we have not heard from parents/carers of remaining children, we will attempt to contact other emergency contacts on their record.

At the earliest opportunity, we will then carry out an assessment of the conditions for re-opening the school. Arrangements for re-opening the school will be communicated to parents via the school’s website.

We will always endeavour to keep the school open and only make the difficult decision in extreme circumstances.