Snow and Adverse Weather Conditions Guidelines: 

Purpose

To ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors and to maintain continuity of learning where possible during periods of severe snow or adverse weather. 

1. How We Will Communicate With You

In the event of snow or severe weather, the school will notify parents via:

• Text message (SchoolGateway app)

• School website

• BCBC (Local Authority) website – updated once a decision has been made 

We aim to make a decision by 8:00am on whether the school will open. 

Please ensure your contact details are up to date.

2. How We Decide Whether School Is Open

A decision to close will only be made if one or more of the following apply:

• There are insufficient staff available to run the school safely. 

• On‑site conditions are dangerous (e.g., unsafe pathways, ice). 

• Travel conditions are currently or are expected to become too hazardous.

We appreciate that many of our pupils live close to school, but safety is our priority.

3. If the School Is Open

Getting to School

• Please travel only if you feel it is safe to do so.

• Delayed arrival is acceptable in difficult weather.

• Dress children warmly and appropriately.

On Arrival

• Please use only the designated cleared and salted pathways, which will be communicated via the School Gateway messaging app.
  Pathways salted by the Premises Manager include:

  • Main gate → Reception / Reception / Year 1 doors/Infant hall door

  • Path to the main office.

• Even cleared paths may remain slippery, so please take care.

Before and After School

• Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring children do not slide on icy playground surfaces before or after school.

During the Day

If the normal timetable cannot be followed, a programme of supervised activities will be organised for pupils.

4. If the School Has to Close

If conditions mean the school cannot open, the following will happen:

• A text via the School Gateway app will be sent to parents.

• BCBC and school websites will be updated.

• Home learning will be provided through Seesaw by 9:00am.  Please ensure that you are able to access Seesaw.

• Work will include: 

  • 1 English activity

  • 1 Maths activity

  • 1 Topic activity

• Teachers will mark work as usual. 

5.Early Closure During the School Day

We aim to remain open until 3:15pm, but if weather worsens rapidly:

• Parents/carers will be contacted by text using the School Gateway app.

• Please collect your child as soon as it is safe to do so.

• On arrival, parents must come to Reception/allocated exits (which will be communicated to you) to sign children out, as phone lines become extremely busy.

Early closure will only happen in very extreme circumstances.

6. Remote Learning Expectations During Closure

If school is closed due to snow:

• Children access learning via Seesaw at 9am.

• Teachers are working from home and may run virtual check‑ins or provide updates. 

7. Safety on School Grounds

• Cleared areas may still be slippery—please supervise younger children closely.

• Only use signposted routes.

• Outdoor play may be limited depending on site conditions.

8. Transport (if applicable)

If local authority transport is cancelled but school remains open, pupils may still attend if parents feel travel is safe.

9. How Parents/Carers Can Help

• Ensure your contact details are up to date and that you have access to the School Gateway app.

• Keep your child’s journey route safe where possible.

• Regularly check for updates on snowy mornings.

• Ensure your child is dressed for cold/icy conditions.

• Ensure you are able to access Seesaw and support your child with home-learning when school is closed.

^{10. Our Priorities During Severe Weather}

1. Safety of pupils, staff, and families

2. Timely and clear communication

3. Continuity of learning

4. Minimising disruption wherever possible

 

 

 

 

 

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