Severe Weather & Emergency Closure Procedures

Many schools face difficulties in maintaining a normal service during severe weather conditions, such as a heavy snowfall or icy roads and footpaths. Local and national guidance to Headteachers, however, is that they should remain open wherever possible, to minimise the disruption to children’s education and the inconvenience to parents and families. Schools are advised to have plans in place to enable a suitable programme of education to be provided for students who do attend, albeit with reduced numbers of colleagues. Headteachers are required to weigh up the risks of reduced supervision, late journeys home and minor bumps, against the disruption to learning caused by a closure.

Nevertheless, the Headteacher has complete discretion to close the school in anticipated severe conditions that would put students at risk. Where possible, the college will contact parents to let them know of such a decision and every care will be taken to ensure that students are not sent out in dangerous conditions. 

The decision to close the college either before, or during the school day, will be made by the Headteacher. The college will only be closed if one or more of the following conditions apply:

  1. Insufficient colleagues are able to come in to keep the school running safely;
  2. Conditions on site are dangerous;
  3. Conditions are considered to be, or anticipated to become, too hazardous for travel.

The Executive Headteacher is kept informed throughout.

Please see below for our full severe weather policy:

Severe Weather Policy

 

© Copyright 2015–2024 Rye College | Aquinas Trust– View Privacy Notice

School & College Websites by Schudio