Adverse Weather Procedures

We are committed to minimising disruption to our students' education and will always strive to keep the school open whenever possible. However, there are rare instances when we may need to close the school. Such decisions are usually made in response to severe weather conditions that make the school site unsafe and pose health and safety risks to our community.

Any decision to close the school is made with great care and consideration. It involves consultation between our Senior Leadership Team, Site staff and representatives from the Trustee Board. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. In situations where adverse weather impacts staffing levels, and health and safety risk assessments indicate potential danger, it may be necessary to close the school. We will endeavour to provide updates as soon as possible regarding any potential closure.

If Adverse Weather Occurs Before the School Day:

A decision regarding school closure will be made between 6:00am and 7:00am. If the school is closed, we will ensure that:

• An email notification is sent to parents and staff
• The school website is updated with the latest information
• Updates are posted on our social media platforms

Please note that during adverse weather conditions, external examinations will continue as scheduled. Students should check the school website for further details.

If Adverse Weather Occurs During the School Day:

If the weather worsens after the school day has started, we will continue to monitor the situation closely. The decision to close the school will depend on several factors, including:

• Road conditions in the local area
• Public transport availability (which may be affected by snow or ice)
• Weather updates from the local authority and the MET Office

If a decision is made to close the school, we will inform parents through:

• An email notification is sent to parents
• A notice on the school website
• Updates on our social media platforms

We understand that it may be difficult for some parents to collect their child during adverse weather. Rest assured, contingency plans will be in place to ensure that the school remains open until all students are safely collected.

If the School is Closed for an Extended Period:

In the event of prolonged school closure due to weather conditions, parents should regularly check the school website for updates, as it will be kept current with the latest information.

As our students come from a wide area, we ask that parents assess the weather and road conditions in their local area to determine if it is safe for their child to travel to school. If you decide not to send your child to school due to weather, please notify us as you would for any absence. Please see the Attendance section the Parent Handbook for more information. This ensures the absence is recorded as authorised.
We appreciate your understanding and support in these circumstances and will always do our best to avoid school closures whenever possible.