Emergency Closure Protocol/Extreme Weather
Please find below the School’s arrangements for an extreme weather/emergency closure situation. As you must appreciate, forecasting the weather is never an exact science and staff, parents and pupils should always assume the school is open unless information to the contrary is published.
Decision not to open the school
Decision making process will be as follows:
Information will be obtained from weather centres/direct observations and local weather reports.
Consultation will be held between the Head Teacher, Deputy Head and site managerat the initiation of any of them.
Site Manager/site staff will be consulted regarding decision being made.
Implementing a decision to close
A sign will be posted by the site manager on the school gates informing parents and visitors of the closure.
Notification will be put on the website and communicated via social media Facebook/Twitter as soon as possible. The school will endeavour to do so by 7.00am.
A message will be sent to parents contact details via Parentmail.
The Head Teacher will decide whether a member of the Senior Leadership team should attempt to reach school on the day of closure. This will only be if it is safe to do so and would not go against advice not to travel.
The Local Authority will be informed by the Head Teacher.
Radio stations will be informed of the school’s decision by the Head Teacher and Local Authority.
The bus company will be informed.
Closing the school during the day
Decision making process will be as follows:
Information will be obtained from weather centres/direct observations and local weather reports.
Consultation will be held between Head Teacher, Deputy Head and Site staff at the initiation of any one of them. The final decision will be made by the Head Teacher (or most senior member of staff in school for significant daytime changes).
Site Manager/site staff will be consulted regarding decision being made.
Implementing a decision to close
A member of the Senior Leadership Team should remain at school until closure is implemented.
Students will be allowedto make their way home once parent/carer has given agreement/consent.
Information will be posted on the school website.
The bus company will be informed.
The local authority will be informed.
Opening the school in extreme weather conditions
Students will be reminded of the dangers and clarify the arrangements put in place.
Students will remain inside during all break times.
All staff will be asked to assist with supervision.
Prefects may be used to help in supervision roles.
Parents
During the inclement months parents should check the school website or listen to the local radio stations which will give official advice.
TIME FM (107.5 FM)
Heart Essex FM (96.3 & 102.6)
BBC Radio Essex (103.5 & 95.3)
These radio stations will have updates at regular intervals. Any decision to close the school will be posted on the school website by 7.00am. To access this information go to
For parents and carers who have provided us with an email address we will contact them using the PARENTMAIL system.