Emergency - severe weather school closure procedure

 

Objectives

To open site safely and ensure we are staffed to legal ratio and that should snow continue staff pupils and carers can safety exit school if we if we ned to close early.

 

We have a duty of care to ensure that:-

1.     The site has safe access.

2.     There are sufficient trained staff to safely supervise children.

3.     Meals can be offered. (This could include a cold alternative)

4.     A member of SLT/DSL is on site

 

The school will aim to stay open to offer a continuity of education and ensure that families who do not have suitable childcare arrangements in place are not disadvantaged or do not suffer because of our decision to close.

 

Managing the site

Our PFI contractor Mitie have overall responsibility for ensuring the site is safe to open. Our onsite FM Manager will assess entry to the school and grounds, ensure the heating is working fully and that school has access to hot/cold water.

They operate a gritting plan and engage out of hours contractors to ensure pathways remain safe and there is a clear route allowing access to both buildings.

It may be necessary to restrict access to the MUGA, and this will be taped off to prevent access by pupils. 

 

Communication to Parents/Carers

The decision to close, offer a late start or early finish will be communicated with parents/cares as eary as possible via the following media:-

·        Class Dojo message

·        SMS

·        Email

·        Council website schoolclosures@leeds.gov.uk