Emergency School Closure

 

It may be necessary to close the school for students at short notice due to a number of circumstances. For example: 

  • Problems relating to adverse weather conditions, eg heavy snowfallIt is important that everyone concerned is familiar with school procedures if it is necessary to close the school in an emergency. 
  • Problems with heating or electricity
  • Problems due to water leaks 

CLOSURE BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL
  • The Headteacher makes the decision to close the school.
  • A message will be left on the school answerphone regarding closure.
  • A message will be broadcast by Radio Lancashire and information will be accessible on their website.
  • If students arrive unaware of the closure, a member of the premises staff will be available in reception. Students will be asked to telephone home (without charge) and then sent home by whatever means the family have decided.  If contact cannot be made, they will be supervised until arrangements can be made for their return home.

SCHOOL CLOSURE DURING THE DAY 

  • The school will only be closed early in extreme cases.
  • A decision about early closure will be made by the Senior Leadership Team, after consultation with the bus companies and in some cases, with other local schools.
  • Staff and students will be informed of the closure time.
  • Those students who travel on school buses will be informed of any possible change to the normal route so that they can make the best decision about which bus to catch.
  • Students who can walk home will be sent home, preferably in the company of other students who live near to each other, or in family groups if possible.
  • Students who are collected from school or who have special travel arrangements will be asked to telephone home to ask about emergency arrangements.
  • School will be kept open and staffed until the last student is able to leave.
  • It is not normally possible for students to be taken home by staff in such emergencies.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

  • In bad weather, make sure your family are well wrapped up, have emergency money and food for any journey.
  • Make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency:

           Ensure they have emergency contact telephone numbers

       Arrange that your child could stay with a friend close to school if you cannot reach them at closure time

       Ensure they know how to make their way home in an emergency and what arrangements are in place to collect younger members of the family

       If you normally collect your family from school, work out emergency arrangements in case the route to school is blocked

       Only telephone school if you really have to - remember, calls into school prevent calls out.

ALWAYS ASSUME THAT SCHOOL IS OPEN UNLESS YOU ARE INFORMED OTHERWISE.