Dear Parents and Carers
It is our intention where possible to continue to open as normal during periods of inclement weather. We take our responsibilities to educate and care for young people seriously and are aware of the impact on parents and carers if the school is closed at short notice.
However, careful assessment needs to be made about whether opening in snowy conditions is appropriate. There are several factors to consider. These include:
- The severity of the weather at the time
- The forecast and likelihood of an improvement or deterioration in the weather
- Conditions travelling to school are too dangerous for children, parents or staff. Almost all members of staff live well beyond a reasonable walking distance so this is always a major factor.
- Conditions on the school grounds are too dangerous for pupils, parents or staff.
- Accessibility to the school is impossible due to the state of local roads e.g. if a fire engine or ambulance could not get to the school in an emergency.
- There are insufficient adults able to get to school to safely supervise the pupils.
- One or more of the essential services e.g. electricity, heating, water etc. is not operating.
We endeavour to provide parents with as much notice as we can. Our website is regularly updated during periods of poor weather.
In the event of closure we will put up a newsflash on our wwebsite also inform you via a text message
You can also check on the South Gloucestershire School Opening Status website-Latest school opening information (term time only) https://essential.southglos.gov.uk/schoolstatus/default.aspx
Please note: it is the parents/carers’ responsibility to cancel taxi arrangements
On days of potential difficulty due to snow, early inspection of the site is conducted and an initial decision is taken, dependent upon the above factors. Please note however this decision will be reviewed throughout the day as these factors are subject to change: the weather may deteriorate; the forecast may change; the ability of taxi companies to operate may change or unforeseen other factors may impact on our ability to operate. Therefore we may be forced to close even during the course of a school day. Again, we will always try to provide parents with as much notice as possible, and make every effort to ensure pupils and staff can leave the school and return home safely. Sometimes these judgments are difficult. We appreciate your patience and understanding at these times.
Regards,
Dean Frances-Hawksley-Head Teacher
NEWSFLASH example
The weather forecast is indicating that we are entering a period of colder weather and with this comes the possibility of snow at some point. In the event of heavy overnight snow, a decision whether to open or to close the school will be made by 6:30 a.m.
Hopefully, it will not be necessary to close the school due to bad weather in the coming weeks but recent winters’ experiences show that it is not impossible for this to happen.