Severe Weather Information for Parents

      

ALL SAINTS CHURCH SCHOOL

Should very severe weather conditions prevail, we would be grateful if parents would observe the following procedure:

The school will remain open at all times and children will be expected to attend school unless –

· You have been notified of school closure via our Schoolzine app, e-mail or other source directly from the school.

· Closure information has been posted on the school’s website – All Saints Church School - Home (juniperwebsites.co.uk)

Somerset County Council will contact the families of those who use the school bus.

· Radio announcements have been broadcast, listing the schools as specifically being closed. Please listen to local radio station –

HEART FM

· Children live too far, and conditions are too bad to even to attempt a journey.

Parents are expected to check either the school website, the Schoolzine app and/or make themselves aware of the radio broadcasts when it is clear that a closure is a possibility.

The school appreciates that during bad weather children may arrive later than normal; parents should endeavour to contact the school to let them know they are on their way if likely to be delayed. The school recognises there will be isolated instances where families are cut off, even where the clear majority of children can get into school. In such instances, parents should inform the school of the circumstances of this exceptional situation, as the school has a duty to clarify the circumstances of each case to be able to formally authorise the absence to the Local Authority.

Parents acting on the assumption that the school would be closed without gaining confirmation or failing to inform the school of the circumstances that prevent the child coming in to school risks their child being registered as an unauthorised absence.

Where the school is officially closed, all pupil absence is counted as authorised absence.

In the event of snow, some pathways will be cleared and salted. Parents, children and visitors will be made aware that pathways, even where cleared, do remain dangerous.

Before and after school opening hours, parents are responsible for ensuring their children do not slide on the school playground.

During adverse weather conditions, the playground may be out of bounds to parents and children at the beginning and end of the school day.

If in any doubt, and conditions are very bad indeed, please ring the school office (01935 826626).  We will endeavour to make a decision about school closure as early in the day as practical, ideally before 7:00am.

After a period of closure, a message will be sent to parents to advise them of the school’s reopening. Messages will also be posted on the school website and via the Schoolzine app.

In the event of the school having to close during the day due to unforeseen worsening weather or similar unforeseen circumstances, parents will be contacted by phone either at home or work and asked to collect their child/ren. Such an early release will only be contemplated in very extreme circumstances. Children will not be sent home unless accompanied by a parent or adult nominated by a parent.

Every effort will be made to keep the school open, and parents should ensure that children should attend.

 Jesus says, “All things are possible if you believe.”  Mark 9:23