Severe weather

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service.

As a fundamental principle every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend. However, schools may close due to ‘unavoidable’ circumstances - i.e. that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be onsite.

We recognise that it is important our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. At Bishop Chavasse we will make every effort to prepare for severe snow and ice this winter by ensuring that paths, steps and ramps are gritted, accessible and free from snow.

BCS Adverse Weather Plan: Parents and Carers

In the event of adverse weather, the safety of our children, their parents and our staff are the determining factors in keeping our school open. School closure will only be considered if the risks to children and staff are greater than the importance of continuity of education. 

The ability to travel safely to and from the school will be considered as well as the facilities available in school. If the conditions are such that the roads are blocked by snow and too few staff are available to ensure the correct ratio of adults to children, school closure will be considered. 

Other risk factors that will be measured for the consideration of school closure include adequate heating and running water, and the need to travel safely around the school site.

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and site staff will keep up-to-date with the weather forecast and will make a decision as early as possible. Two possible scenarios may be put into place:

Scenario 1: Late Start

If conditions are harsh, but the risk assessment deems it safe to open the school, the school will run a late start, allowing as many staff to get to school as possible, with the school day beginning an hour later than usual, at 09.45am.  Parents will be permitted to collect children half an hour earlier, from 2.45pm, allowing safe journeys home in daylight.  

Children may wear own clothes and MUST bring in a change of clothes and appropriate outdoor wear (or they will not be allowed to play outside) and a change of footwear to wear outside.

If the decision is made to have a late start, to ensure safe staff to pupil ratios, the office team will notify parents via email, put a message on the scrolling bar of the school website and inform Class Reps who will issue a WhatsApp message. Parents will be contacted directly by Newton Lang wrap-around care provider. The head of the kitchen will let the school know if meals can still be provided or if parents will need to provide a packed lunch. The school will aim to have all information communicated to parents by 07.15am.

The site team will clear the steps and the front footpath to the main entrances to enable safe access into the building.  Grit will be used.  An assessment of the playground will be made with the Senior Leadership Team.

In the event of a late opening, we will ensure each class has a named adult (Teacher or TA) to register the pupils and begin the day. 

After-school clubs are likely to be cancelled if there has been heavy snowfall to enable children and families to travel in the safety of daylight. This will be reviewed and communicated during the school day. Newton Lang will contact parents separately.

 

Scenario 2: Full School Closure

If a decision is made to close the school, the office team will notify parents via email with instructions of where to find the day’s learning, put a message on the scrolling bar of the school website and inform Class Reps who will issue a WhatsApp message. The school will aim to have all information communicated to parents by 07.15am.

SLT will review the situation during the day and the office team will contact staff and parents via email, the website and the Class Reps with updates and anticipated plans for the following day.

What can you do to help?

• Contact the school if you are able to support with clearing the school playgrounds and paths of ice/ snow.
• Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.
• Check for updates from the school as to whether you need to provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided.
• Don’t forget to send your child in wearing suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies etc. and a change of clothing.
• If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up, please could you put a back‐up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping our school remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.