Severe Weather Conditions - Information for Parents

Should very severe weather conditions prevail, I would be grateful if parents/carers would observe the following procedure:

The school will remain open at all times and children will be expected to attend school unless –

• You have previously been notified of school closure.

• You have received a text from school, informing you of the school closure.

• Closure information has been posted on the school’s own website.

• Radio announcements have been broadcast, listing the schools as specifically being closed. Please listen to local radio stations.

• Children live too far away, and conditions are too bad even to attempt a journey.

Parents/carers are expected to check text messages, the website and/or make themselves aware of the radio broadcasts when a closure is a possibility.

The school appreciates that during bad weather children may arrive later than normal; parents/carers should endeavour to contact the school to let them know they are on their way if likely to be delayed.  The school recognises there will be isolated instances where families are cut off, even where the majority of children can get into school.  In such instances parents/carers should inform the school of the circumstances of this exceptional situation, as the school has a duty to clarify the circumstances of each case to be able to formally authorise the absence.

Parents/carers acting on the assumption that the school would be closed without gaining confirmation, or failing to inform the school of the circumstances that prevents the child coming into school, risks their child being registered as an unauthorised absence.

Where the school is officially closed, all pupil absence is counted as authorised absence.

In the event of snow, pathways will be cleared and salted. Parents/carers, children and visitors will be made aware that pathways, even where cleared, do remain dangerous.

After school opening hours, parents/carers are responsible for ensuring their children do not slide on the school playground.

If in any doubt, please keep an eye on our school website and local radio stations. We will endeavour to make a decision about school closure as early in the day as practical and we will text all parents IF the school is closed. 

Please ensure you inform the School Office if you need to update your contact details.

After a period of closure, a message will be sent to the parents/carers/staff to advise them of the school’s reopening. Messages will also be posted on the school website.

In the event of the school having to close during the day, due to unforeseen worsening weather or similar unforeseen circumstances, parents/carers will be contacted by text and asked to collect their child/ren.  Such an early release will only be contemplated in very extreme circumstances.  Children will not be sent home unless accompanied by a parent/carer or adult nominated by a parent/carer.

It is unlikely that a prediction will be made about the day following a day of closure due to severe weather.  Every effort will be made to keep the school open and parents/carers should ensure that children attend.

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