Snow and Bad Weather Arrangements

Any decision made to close the school is a significant one as it not only interrupts learning but we also appreciate that it causes considerable difficulties for our parents / carers. It is always our aim to remain open, however in the event of extreme weather we will make any decision to close the school after considering the safety of pupils on the school site.

Our emergency plans for school closure are as follows:

Heavy snow overnight

In the event of heavy snow overnight we will:

• Contact the local radio stations who issue information updates on all school closures during bad weather.
• Send direct email/text/Arbor message to all Primary Parents/Carers.

The weather can change rapidly and this can influence any decision we need to take at a given time.

Heavy snow during the day

On very few occasions a decision may have to be made to send pupils home from school early if heavy snow falls and is forecast to continue to fall during the school day. This decision will never be taken lightly as we appreciate that many parents/carers work.

To notify all parents/carers as quickly and efficiently as possible, we would send a text to all primary contacts notifying them of the closure and that they would need to come and collect their child as soon as safely possible. Information on the collection will be detailed in the text message.

We understand in these circumstances arrangements outside of regular plans might need to be made and that you will need to notify school of these adjustments. Please bear in mind that the phonelines will busy and the best way to notify school would be through an Arbor message.

Years 5 and 6 will not automatically be asked to walk home, we would advise you to collect them or alternatively an Arbor message stating your wishes.

Members of staff will always remain on site until the last pupil has left.

Unexpected events

In the event of any other extreme weather-related events or building malfunctions we will follow the same procedures as outlined for ‘heavy snow’ wherever possible. We will always endeavour to provide information via a text message in the first instance, followed by information on the school website.