Purpose

Snow and severe weather events are rare, but they can significantly affect travel, site safety and staffing. This procedure sets out how decisions will be made regarding school opening, and how these decisions will be communicated clearly and in good time to staff and families.

The safety of pupils, staff and families is the school’s highest priority.

Our approach

The school will aim to remain open wherever it is safe and practical to do so, recognising:

• the importance of continuity of education
• the impact that closure can have on families, particularly where alternative childcare arrangements are limited

Closure will only be used where it is not possible to operate safely.

Conditions for remaining open

During periods of snow or icy conditions, the school will aim to remain open provided that:

• The site can be accessed and operated safely
• Staff can travel to school safely
• There are sufficient staff on site to supervise pupils safely
• Lunch provision can be arranged (this may include packed lunches)
• A member of the leadership team is on site

Decision-making responsibility

• The decision to close the school, delay opening or implement alternative arrangements rests solely with the Headteacher
• Decisions are based on weather conditions and forecasts, site safety and access, and staff availability and safeguarding capacity

Day-before procedures (when poor weather is forecast)

Where poor weather is forecast:

• A reminder message will be sent to both staff and parents
• This is a procedural reminder, not a decision
• In exceptional circumstances only, a decision to close may be taken the day before

In most cases, the final decision will be made on the morning.

Decision timing:

• The earliest realistic decision time is 7:15am
• Parents will be notified by 7:45am at the latest, even if the school is open as normal

Staffing and organisation if the school is open

• Staffing will be organised by the senior leader on site, regardless of normal roles
• Priorities are:

1. Safe supervision of pupils
2. Ability to staff classes safely, including flexibility and combined groups where appropriate
3. Safeguarding and leadership capacity

Where full curriculum delivery is not possible, age-appropriate alternative activities will be provided.

Breakfast club, lunch and after-school clubs

Breakfast club:

• Reviewed case-by-case, depending on staffing levels

Lunch provision:

• Families may be asked to send packed lunches
• Kitchen staffing may be a contributing factor in decisions about opening or closing

After-school clubs:

• Reviewed case-by-case during the day

Managing the site

• Designated access routes will be identified and prioritised (The main school entrance is the most likely access point to be used during snowy or icy conditions, as it can be most effectively cleared and monitored)
• Routes will be cleared and gritted where possible
• In some conditions, compacted snow may be safer than cleared frozen surfaces
• Outdoor playtimes may still take place if deemed safe
• Pupils should have suitable clothing; spare socks or clothing are encouraged

Communication with parents

Decisions will be shared through:

• School app notification (first)
• School website homepage (immediately after)
• Email may be used to support these channels

Parents should always check messages directly, as arrangements may change from day to day.

If the school is open:

• Families are encouraged to attend where it is safe to do so
• Absences will be authorised where families cannot travel safely

Early closure during the day

• An early closure may be implemented if weather worsens
• Parents will be informed immediately
• Pupils will remain supervised until collected
• After-school clubs will be cancelled

Review

This procedure will be reviewed following severe weather events.