Aim of the snow plan – This plan covers the contingencies made for heavy snowfall which may result in enforced school closure or restricted opening.
This plan aims to prevent:
- The stranding of students and staff
- Unnecessary risks travelling to and from school through good communication
- Excessive impact on children’s education by alternative means of support
- Accidents in the school through good risk assessment
It is our intention that the school will be open on all normal school days even when some poor road conditions exist. However, in the event of a heavy snowfall, we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to attend school and a decision to close or restrict school opening may have to be made.
If the school is closed, a member of staff (where possible) will be available at school to ensure that messages and communication are maintained for the first two hours of closure (8.30 – 10.30). Thereafter, the school will be empty. Should it not be possible for a member of staff to be in school we will ensure that the office email address is checked and responses sent where possible: enquiries@paddockwoodprimaryacademy.org.uk
Decision
If the weather conditions are severe enough to force closure or restricted opening, this decision will be communicated by the following means:
- Via the school website – running message on the home page
- Parent announcement via MCAS
- Kent School Closures Website https://www.kentclosures.co.uk/
The decision to close the school will be taken by the Principal and Academies Director and will be taken by 7.15am at the latest.
Restricted opening – where school is open but some staff may be unable to attend or where weather conditions may prevent some students from attending:
Parents are asked to exercise extreme caution when dropping off or collecting children by car. At the end of the day, the children will be dismissed as usual but there will be no after-school clubs. All children will need to be dropped off at the front entrance to the school – as this will be the first area we clear and grit. We will notify parents where to collect from during the day.
Communications
As above, once a decision is made. The school phone is likely to be very busy and it may not be possible to get through so we would ask parents to use the means of communication outlined above instead.
Q&A – snowy days when school is open
Will I be contacted in the event of snow?
Yes, by one of the methods outlined above. However, school will not contact parents individually.
Do I need to contact school?
If you decide not to travel because of the road conditions, please let us know so that we know the students are safe. This can be via email to enquiries@paddockwoodprimaryacademy.org.uk or the school phone line (01892) 833654. If you are planning to come in to school but may be late, please also let the office know so we can make suitable provision.
Should I travel to school or not?
Always check the website/Kent Closures. Parents and staff have to decide whether it is safe for them to make the journey to school. Where possible, the school will try to ensure that there is someone at school to greet the students, but if you arrive at school and no member of staff is present, your children must remain your responsibility and should not be left unattended at school.
Should my child wear school uniform?
The children need to wear something that will keep them warm. So perhaps a school jumper and tracksuit bottoms. They also need to have a coat, gloves, scarf etc. so we can also enjoy the snow at some point during the day.
Will there be after-school clubs?
No.
When should I collect my child?
Parents who decide to bring their children to school are welcome to collect their child at normal time.
Impact on education
On days when the school has restricted opening, students may not be taught by their usual teachers or in their usual classes, as we may not have our full quota of staff. However, we will ensure that we have an educationally valid day which will include English and Maths at an appropriate level. If the school is closed staff will post work via Google Classroom.
Snow Clearance and Salting
If we are able to we will ensure the site is clear to allow safe access. Salting in and around the paths for access to the school will commence each day as necessary and during the day if conditions require. Our first priority will be the main entrance.