Emergency - severe weather school closure procedure

• IF IT HAS SNOWED PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN TO SCHOOL BY THEMSELVES AS YOU MAY NEED TO TAKE THEM HOME IF MESSAGES HAVE NOT GOT THROUGH TO YOU IF SCHOOL HAS HAD TO CLOSE.
• If the school has to close because of extreme conditions during school hours, the school will text/call you to collect your child.
• Parents will have been notified of this closure by way of a text message, Class Charts plus a message posted on the school website and Facebook account.
• If conditions are bad the following morning and our school remains closed, please check our website / Class Charts for updates. A  text will also be sent to all parents. 
• No snowballing.  This is in the best interests of health and safety for all pupils, staff and visitors. The children will get the chance, if they wish to, to throw snowballs at playtime subject to school’s discretion. 

• For those attending during adverse weather please be advised that the usual entry/exit , into/from  school may not be available and alternative routes will be signposted.  It may be that only the main reception will be the most available route into school.

   

• The school will remain open as normal except for extreme weather conditions.
• The expectation is that if safe to do so, staff are to make their way to school.
• Staff who drive to school may consider a different form of transport.
• Our aim is to continue to provide our service to the families and community we serve despite weather conditions.
• The Principal will inform both staff and parents as soon as possible if the school is to be closed
• Staff are encouraged and reminded to check the :

1. School Website and Local Authority website (as above)
2. Approved radio stations
3. Text messages

• Late Arrival of staff – the school accepts that in the event of snow, staff may be delayed in arriving on time, please inform the main reception of this, and continue to update the school on your expected time of arrival. The school will undertake to ensure all classes are supervised by another member of staff.

• Gates to playgrounds remain locked
• Footpath to Reception entrance to be cleared and gritted/ Staff Park to be gritted and footpath created for staff to access the main buildings safely.
• Check heating temperatures in the school and water temperatures.
• Liaise with the Principal about any risks /concerns regarding staff and pupil safety.

Will I be contacted in the event of snow?

There will be communication via the methods outlined above. However, school will not contact parents individually as a matter of course.

Should I travel to school or not?

Always check the website, Facebook feed and your text messages first. Parents and staff have to decide whether it is safe for them to make the journey to school. Where possible, the school will try to ensure that there is someone at school to greet the pupils, but if you arrive at school and no member of staff is present your children must remain your responsibility and should not be left unattended at school. Please wait with them until a member of staff arrives.

Will there be after-school clubs or lessons?

No. Please keep the office informed if you are delayed on your way to collect the children. As always, we will look after the pupils until you get to us.

When should I collect my child?

Parents who decide to bring their children to school are welcome to collect their child at the usual time.

(3pm- Primary 3.10pm- Secondary)

Impact on education

On days when the school has restricted opening, children may not be taught by their usual teachers or in their usual classes, as we may not have our full quota of staff. However, we will ensure that we have an educationally valid day. If there is a prolonged closure of the school, staff will advise on work that may be completed via the school website or Class Charts.

Support if stranded in school

A member of staff will stay in school until all children have been collected.