School Closures
If it is necessary to make an emergency closure of the school due to
the state of the weather or for any exceptional circumstance then the
following procedures will be implemented:
1.
It is problematic trying to contact all parents by telephone in such an
event. No pupils should ever leave the school if there will be
no-one at home. Pupils who normally walk to school will be sent
home as long as there will be someone there. If parents will not
be at home, then they should give advice now to their son/daughter as
to what they should do/where they should go in the event of an
emergency closure. It is essential that no pupil is sent home to
an empty house. They must be told what to do by parents in the
event of a closure.
2.
If pupils are unsure if anyone will be at home, they will be allowed to
telephone. If there is no-one there, then the pupils should know
where they have to go as indicated on their form. When such a
decision is made everything possible will be done to get youngsters
home safely. However, in extreme weather, this may not always be
possible. This is why we require the assistance of parents in
preparing for such an eventuality.
Parents are asked to provide
current information regarding transport arrangements, contact details
and any local alternative accommodation arrangements. They are
also asked to inform the school immediately should any of the details
change e.g. a new mobile phone number.
3.
Once it has been decided to close the school, transport contractors
will be contacted to come to the school in order to take pupils home as
soon as they possibly can. The school will try to contact parents
should transport not be possible and parents should contact the school
if their child does not return home by their usual time. Parents
are also asked to contact other parents they are acquainted with and
check with the alternative accommodation that their child is safe.
4.
If the school is not going to open due to the severe state of the
weather, every attempt will be made to have an announcement placed with
Radio Solway and Radio Cumbria as early as possible. If this is
the case, follow the instructions given.
If the weather changes
dramatically during a school day, then parents should feel free to
telephone the school to check what is happening. It is also
helpful to the school if parents inform us of any concerns you may have
regarding travel or weather in their vicinity.
Parents are advised
not to send their children to school when the weather is already severe
or when the forecast indicates that severe weather is imminent.
It is important that this is advice is interpreted in a
realistic/sensible manner and not merely as an excuse for pupils to be
absent from school.
5.
If transport is not running due to these circumstances and a parent
brings a pupil to school, then they have the responsibility for their
return home.