Snow Procedures for families

Once again we have to prepare for the possibility of snow disruption this winter, although we really hope this will not be the case!

With more than 200 pupils across the school, we have pedestrian footfall in excess of 100+ each morning and afternoon. We are also a site with long pathways and multiple access routes. When we experience ice or snow, our first priority is to assess if we can make the site safe enough for adults and children to walk to the school buildings and that we have heating.

Although we keep up-to-date with forecasts and weather warnings, the snow and ice conditions can be quite localised with freezing temperatures affecting some areas of town and not others. What appears to be 'slushy' snow can be compacted very quickly on frozen ground when such large numbers are walking on it. When we have assessed if the site can be made safe, we still have to ensure enough staff can get in to meet appropriate adult:child ratios. With staff living as far away as Winchester, Newbury and Basingstoke, journeys must be safely achievable both to and from school. When we are assured, we have enough staff and we can make pathways accessible, we will open.

Please, please please, have an emergency procedure plan ready in case the school has to close at short notice.

  Communication

The following is a reminder of the procedure school takes.

     1. We will aim to inform families via email by 7.15am if the school is CLOSED, we will also email to confirm if there has been    some snow, but the school is able to OPEN

     2. School Website: We will add messages on our own website updating everyone.

     3. The Hampshire County Council website will be updated with the latest news across the area. www.hants.gov.uk/education/schoolclosures

We may decide to have a staggered opening with pupils being allowed to arrive later. This allows those from further away to get here safely but also spreads the amount of traffic in and around the site. We will always try to make a decision as early as possible. It may be prudent to make childcare arrangements in case of any future closures.

 We can usually message the evening before to alert you that the school may shut the following day so you can make potential plans. We will do everything we can to remain open, closing a school is never a decision taken lightly.

Thank you