Aims
The aim of the adverse weather and snow plan – This plan covers the contingencies made for adverse weather or heavy snowfall which may result in enforced school closure or restricted opening.
The plan aims to prevent:
- The stranding of students and staff
- Unnecessary risks travelling to and from school through good communication
- Excessive impact on children’s education by alternative means of support
- Accidents in the school through good risk assessment
It is our intention that the school will be open on all normal school days even when some poor road conditions exist. However, in the event of adverse weather conditions including heavy snowfall, we cannot guarantee that staff or students that traveling by public transport will be able to attend school and a decision to close or restrict school opening may have to be made.
If the school is closed, a member of staff (where possible) will be available at school to ensure that messages and communication are maintained, this will vary on the risks of staff becoming stranded or being able to access the school site. Should it not be possible for a member of staff to be in school we will ensure that the office email address is checked and responses sent where possible.
Communication & Decisions
If the weather conditions are severe enough to force a closure or restricted opening, this decision will be made by the Headteacher and communicated by the following means;
- Parent text message
- School website
- Local media where possible
- Through MS Teams
The decision to close will be made by the headteacher and the chair of governors and will be taken by 7.45am at the latest.
If there is a restricted opening, where the school is open but staff and students are unable to attend where weather has prevented travel, then this will be communicated by 7.45am where possible. This decision will be based on the travel conditions and the impact the weather has had on public transport.
Parents are asked to exercise extreme caution when dropping off or collecting children by car. At the end of the day, the children will be dismissed as usual but there will be no after-school clubs if there is significant risks to student and staff.
If the severe weather starts during the school day and it is evident that students will be significantly impacted travelling home, then a decision will be made to allow students to leave school early. Parents will be contacted and students only allowed to leave when a parent has verbally given permission for this to happen. If a parent cannot be contact the student will remain in school until the end of the school day or the parent makes, contact with the school.
Once a decision is made the school phone a communication is likely to be extremely busy and it may not be possible to answer all calls or get through to the school. School will remain open unless you have received a communication from the school via the above mentioned means.
If the school is closed there will be a plan sent to revert to remote learning for a scheduled lesson. This will start with tutor. Times and schedule will be communicated on MS Teams and texted to parents.
Snow Clearance & Salting
If we are able to keep the school open, we will ensure the school is safe and that walk ways are clear of hazards. Salting in and around the school footpaths will take place but caution is advised when attending school.