The small smattering of snow last week – which even got us our first parental call saying it was too dangerous to come in and their child would be kept safe at home – has reminded us that it would be helpful to flag up our snow closure procedures to parents.
The first thing to say is that we close as a very last resort. We get phone calls from some parents demanding closure before the first flake hits the ground, whilst last time we stayed open during snow we faced initial phone-call criticisms which faded as the snow melted, and then saw another school that had closed get heaps of criticism online. It is very much a no-win for us.
The following Q&As should help make things clear:
How will I be notified of a closure ?
This will be done via text messages, EduLink, our website, our Twitter page and our Facebook page.
When will you tell us in the morning ?
If there is snowfall our Headteacher gets up very early and makes his way in with the site team. We conduct a site survey to check if we can make footpaths, etc, safe. We also factor in wider conditions so that bus transport and staff access is assessed. We also communicate with neighbouring secondary schools.
We aim to make a decision as soon as we can but cannot guarantee this before 7.30am. We appreciate this may be inconvenient for some families but it is not feasible to make a decision any earlier. Our decision is for around 1,500 people and cannot be based on an individual circumstance that would prefer notice earlier.
What if it snows during the day ?
We keep a close look on the forecast and when snow falls we monitor the forecast and local conditions before making a decision. We are also influenced by what the bus companies tell us as with hundreds travelling home this way we have to allow for their decisions so that children are not stranded.
Does it help if I call reception and demand closure / opening ?
No – not one bit. We would prefer to be left to get on with our job. We will let you know by all the fore-mentioned means as soon as we have a decision. Please do not do this.
Where can I find out more about this decision-making process ?
You can visit the relevant page on our website by clicking here.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “I actually love the snow but when you are deciding on school closures it is no fun at all. In this job you know on this matter you will not please everyone. We always seek to stay open and it is not a flippant or blasé decision. Fingers crossed any substantial snowfall holds till the Xmas Holidays when it is not a school day and when it will be helpful to Santa.”
