In principle we aim to keep the school open if at all possible regardless of the weather. A decision to close the school during the school day will generally only be made if we feel that this is the best way to ensure that pupils can return home safely.
If a decision is made to close the school parents will be sent a text and e-mail, this information will also be posted on our website. Parents are requested not to contact school to enquire about closure as this will block the telephone lines which may be needed by the school.
All pupils must be aware of what arrangements you are likely to put in place in the event of the school closing due to bad weather. We would need as many parents as possible to collect their children personally since public transport and the school coach service may be disrupted in the event of serious bad weather. Where we believe there are likely to be problems with coaches and public transport, we will use local radio stations such as Sun FM to convey the news as widely as possible, assuming that we are able to get through to them. We will also use local radio to advise parents if the school will not be re-opening after closure for bad weather and to advise parents when the school will re-open. Information will also be sent to parents using our text messaging system system and our website, Facebook and Twitter pages will also carry information.
Poor weather conditions overnight
A decision not to open the school will usually be made by 6.45am. The school will generally only not open if it seems clear that it would be hazardous for a significant number of staff and pupils to get to school or if insufficient numbers of staff can get into school to ensure adequate supervision of pupils. Information will be sent to parents using our text messaging system and our website and social media accounts will also carry information. The website will be the most important method of informing parents of the current situation. There will be a clear message on the front page to inform you if the school will be closed. Use will be made of local radio stations, such as Sun FM, although it is not guaranteed that the school will manage to get through. The school will make every effort to contact the bus companies to ascertain whether they regard their normal routes as safe. Email will be used to give detailed information and staff should check their school mailbox frequently.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR US TO HAVE CURRENT MOBILE PHONE DETAILS FOR OUR TEXT SYSTEM TO WORK EFFECTIVELY.
