Severe Weather Procedure

Should very severe weather conditions prevail, we would be grateful if parents/carers would observe the following procedure:

The school will remain open at all times and children will be expected to attend school unless –

• You have previously been notified of school closure via text message
• Closure information has been posted under “Emergency school Notices” on:

School closures (somerset.gov.uk)

• Children live too far, and conditions are too bad even to attempt a journey.

Parents/carers are expected to make themselves aware of school closure if it is clear that a closure is a possibility.

The school appreciates that during bad weather children may arrive later than normal; parents/carers should endeavour to contact the school to let them know they are on their way if likely to be delayed. The school recognises there will be isolated instances where families are cut off, even where the clear majority of children can get into school. In such instances parents/carers should inform the school of the circumstances of this exceptional situation, as the school has a duty to clarify the circumstances of each case so as to be able to formally authorise the absence to the Local Authority.

Where the school is officially closed, all pupil absence is counted as authorised absence.

During adverse weather conditions, only the main pedestrian entrance will be in use if the main playgrounds are out of use.

We will endeavour to make a decision about school closure as early in the day as practical, ideally at 7am. PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL.

After a period of closure, a message will be sent to the parents/carers to advise them of the school’s reopening.

In the event of the school having to close during the day due to unforeseen worsening weather or similar unforeseen circumstances, parents/carers will be contacted by phone/message and asked to collect their child/ren. Such an early release will only be contemplated in very extreme circumstances. Children will not be sent home unless accompanied by a parent or adult nominated by a parent.

Every effort will be made to keep the school open and parents/carers should ensure that children should attend.