Emergency Closure Procedure

There are a number of reasons why the school may have to close unexpectedly, but the most likely scenario would be because of bad weather.

If there is a significant snowfall,  senior members of staff will walk to school—if safe—and make a thorough risk assessment of safety, taking into account pathways, fire exits and emergency service access.

 We will endeavour to notify parents by 8am when it is sufficiently light to make a judgement.  This will be done via Arbor communication, the school website and app, and on local radio bulletins (Bright FM).

If the school is open but not all staff are able to travel to work because of road, rail or bus delays and cancellations,  all locally based staff will be expected to walk in and classes may be amalgamated with either  teaching or support staff cover—we will not be able to deliver our usual programme of lessons, but will keep your children safe.

Adjustments will be made to the length of school day, with the school  not opening until 10am.  We may then also adjust closing hours to suit weather conditions and safety for all.

If the school is closed, children will be expected to do some work at home.  Recognising many different family circumstances, we would ask all children to complete a written or  pictorial “Snow Diary” to share with their teachers on return to school. We have also prepared some “Snow Activities” that are both fun and educational which you may like to use as a family. These will be available on our website in the event of closure.

Once conditions improve and if we need to clear the playground to provide safe access, a notice will be posted on the website and Arbor messages will be circulated requesting help from those parents who are able to do so.

If the school is ever forced to close early during the day because of severe weather conditions, or any other emergency, all children will be safely supervised by staff until collected.  We will contact parents via ParentMail, and upon arrival at school, parents will be asked to wait in the hall for their children.  Teaching Assistants will check and sign all children out as parents collect.

 

 Updated  19. November 2021