Our priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all pupils and staff. We aim to remain open whenever possible to ensure continuity of learning and care.

However, there may be exceptional circumstances where it is necessary to close the school to protect the safety and wellbeing of our community. These situations could include:

• Severe weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow or flooding)
• Cyber security incidents affecting essential systems
• Other safety concerns (e.g. building damage or use of utilities) that make the site unsafe for pupils and staff

Any decision to close the school will be made carefully, based on risk assessments and guidance from relevant authorities.

How will you be informed?
If a closure is required, we will communicate promptly via:

• The school website
• Email and/or text alerts
• Facebook

Closure in case of snow:

1. Decision‑Making Process

• Daily assessment by 7:00 AM by the Head Teacher and Site Manager.

Factors considered:

• Road safety around the school
• Condition of footpaths and school grounds
• Heating, electricity, and water availability
• Staff travel feasibility
• Staff ratios
• Final decision by 7:15 AM to allow families time to adjust.

2. Communication Strategy

• Text/Email alert sent to all parents and staff via the school’s messaging system.
• Website homepage banner updated with closure or delayed opening notice.
• Social media update (Facebook) for wider visibility.
• Local radio notification if applicable.

3. Setting Work

Significant snow fall in the Midlands is rare so spending time to enjoy this weather (safely) is valuable. Suggested activities for children to complete at home are listed below, but there is no strict requirement to complete these if the closure is short term. We understand that an unexpected school closure will look different for every family.

If you would like or need your child to participate in some more formal learning, there are some useful website links below.

If school is closed longer term, then specific learning activities will be provided. Safe and well calls and messages will be sent during a longer closure.

Useful websites/ideas:

• Sit in front of a mirror and draw a self- portrait
• Build a den using items found in the house and have lunch in there
• If you want your child to work through some lessons suitable for their age, you will find a wide selection on the Oak Academy website https://www.thenational.academy/ - a wide range of lessons to choose from.
• Write a postcard, imagining you are on holiday in the snow. Include a description of the setting and what you enjoyed doing there.
• Draw with Rob - https://www.youtube.com/c/RobBiddulph72/ideos
• Computing: BBC Bitesize has a selection of Computer Science-based ideas and activities, as well as learning based on Information Technology and Digital Literacy. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/znrq6f
• https://freetimewiththekids.com/snow-actiities-for-kids/
• https://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/5-7-years/letters-and-sounds
• Find a Joe Wick’s kid’s workout on YouTube and follow.

There is a snow day bingo board below!