Emergency Closure Procedures
In rare circumstances where it is not possible to operate the school safely and action is required, the following risk factors are considered:
- Is the site safe for staff and pupils to attend?
- Are sufficient staff able to access the site and able to operate safely?
- Are all utilities and services able to operate (water, heating, electricity, and kitchen)?
- Are staff and students able to travel to and from the site safely?
Decisions about closing the school or sending students home early will not be taken lightly and will be made in consultation with the Governors. We will always endeavour to open the school when safely able to do so.
- The school will make a decision as to whether the school will open, close or have a delayed opening start
- In the event of snow and the school does open, students may be asked to wear suitable footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.
In the event of an emergency closure, a decision will be made by the Headteacher and/or members of SLT regarding whether it is safe to open the school site. If the decision is made to close the school this will be communicated via our website, social media and email to parents/carers and staff.
Parents will be notified by text or email if there is a closure during the school day. All students will be kept safe until collected or authorisation is received from parents/carers that they may be released.
How will parents/carers be information of an emergency closure
Parents/carers will be informed in the following way:
- A Class Chart announcement notifying families that the school is closed
- Email, text and social media notifications
- Updated information on the homepage of the school’s website
Please avoid phoning the school if you can. If we are open the website and our social media will have up-to-date procedures.
If any students arrive at school unaware of the closure, a member of staff will be there to help them to contact parents/carers to decide whether they should return home or wait to be collected.
Lessons during emergency closure
On the first day of closure, students will be asked to complete literacy, maths or encouraged to engage in physical activity.
Should a closure last beyond one day, the school will revert to online lessons on day 2 onwards. Students should follow their timetabled lesson online via Google Classroom either live or with work set by their teacher.
Examinations during emergency closure
Where possible the school will open for public examinations. If there are examinations on the day of closure, please check the website and emails for instructions for candidates.