Bad Weather Procedure
Decisions about closing the school or sending students home early will not be taken lightly and will be done in consultation with the Governors, Bus Company and the Local Authority. We will always endeavour to open the school when we are safely able to do so.
In the event of snow or bad weather, a decision will be made by the Headteacher and/or members of the Leadership and Management team regarding the safety of opening the school site. If the decision is made to close the school this will be communicated to parents / carers via our text message, our school website and social media.
In the event of a closure during the school day, parents will be notified by text. All students will be kept safe until collected or authorisation is received from parents/carers that they may be released. Please be aware that for safeguarding reasons, we cannot allow parents or relatives to collect students other than their own without prior authorisation. All parents/carers should report to the main reception to collect their children.
Parents/carers will be informed in the following way:
A text message to inform families that the school is closed (please ensure to keep your contact details up-to-date).
Updated information on the homepage of the school’s website and social media.
We are aware that bad weather by its nature is disruptive and can cause anxiety but please avoid phoning school if you can. If you have supplied a mobile contact number to school, we will send a text message to you if the school will be closed. If we are open, the website will have the up to date procedures.
Severe Weather Overnight
If the school has to be closed, a message will be placed on the school website and social media. As well, as this, we will text parents and staff. (Please ensure that we have up-to-date contact information)
If any students arrive at school unaware of the closure, a member of staff will be there to help. Students will be able to phone parents/carers to decide whether they should return home or wait to be collected.
The school will make a decision as to whether school will open, close or have a delayed opening to allow time for the premises team to clear and grit the pathways.
In the event of snow or ice and the school does open, students should wear suitable footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.
Weather Deteriorates During the Day
The school will be closed early only in extreme cases and with advice from the Bus Company.
The decision to close the school will be made by the Headteacher/LMT in consultation with Governors, Bus Company and the Local Authority.
Decisions about early closure will be communicated to staff and students as soon as this is appropriate.
After consulting the bus companies, students who use school buses will be told of any potential changes to normal routes so they can decide the best way home.
Students being collected from school or with other arrangements will be allowed to phone home for advice on what to do.
Students who can walk home will be sent preferably in family groups or in the company of other students who live near each other.
Examinations During Periods of Severe Weather
Where possible the school will open for public examinations. If there are examinations on the day of a closure, please check the website for instructions for candidates.