Bad Weather Procedures

Edgbarrow School believes that every lesson is important and will, therefore, seek to minimise the impact of bad weather on the running of the school.

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.
In the event of snow or bad weather, 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.

Parents/carers will be informed in the following way:

A Class Chart announcement notifying families that the school is closed.
Social media and email.
Updated information on the homepage of the school’s website.

We are aware that bad weather is disruptive and can cause anxiety. Therefore, any action due to poor weather will be posted immediately on our website and social media and announced on local radio stations. Please avoid phoning the school if you can. If we are open the website and our social media will have up-to-date procedures.

Severe Weather Overnight

If the school has to be closed, a message will be read out on local radio stations.

Closure will also be communicated on our website.

If any students arrive at school unaware of the closure, a member of staff will be there to help. Students may phone parents/carers without charge to decide whether they should return home or wait to be collected.

The school will make a decision as to whether the school will open, close or have a delayed opening to allow time for the premises team to clear and grit the pathways.
In the event of snow and the school does open, students may be asked to wear suitable footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.

Weather Deteriorates During the Day

The school will be closed early only in extreme cases.
The decision to close the school will be made by the Headteacher/SLT in consultation with Governors.
Decisions about early closure will be communicated to staff and students as soon as this is appropriate.
After consulting the bus companies, students who use school buses will be told of any potential changes to normal routes so they can decide the best way home.
Students being collected from school or with other arrangements will be allowed to phone home for advice on what to do.
Students who can walk home will be sent preferably in family groups or in the company of other students who live near each other.

Lessons During Periods of Severe Weather

On the first day of closure, students will be asked to complete, literacy and maths work and encouraged to engage in physical activity.
Should a closure last beyond one day, students will be asked to follow timetable lessons which will be live or with work set on Google Classroom.

Examinations During Periods of Severe Weather

Where possible the school will open for public examinations. If there are examinations on the day of closure, please check the website for instructions for candidates.

Ice Safety - message from Royal Berkshire Fire Rescue Service