Severe Weather Arrangements

As a fundamental principle, every effort will be made to keep the school open, even if only limited numbers of students can attend.  However we may need to close due to unavoidable circumstances.

How will we let you know if the school is closed?

If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, the Headteacher may have to take the decision to close the school.  Once this decision has been made we will aim to post messages on our website by 6:30am, or as soon after as possible. We will also aim to send an email and/or a text message to parents/carers. We will update the website regularly to keep parents/carers and students informed about arrangements for the following day. 

We will also post updates via Google Classroom.

The Kent Closures website can also be used to find out if other services in Kent are open or closed, such as nurseries, children’s centres and libraries.  Parents/carers may wish to sign up for text message alerts on www.kentclosures.co.uk                                                      

Even if the school is open, you may decide at the start of the day that the journey into school is not safe for your daughter/son.  Please can you then contact the school to report the absence in the usual way.  Your daughter/son should arrange for a “study buddy” to collect work and complete it as soon as possible.

Working from home

If the school is closed, students should continue to work from home where possible.  This could include completing homework, preparing for assessments, accessing subject specific websites, revising for examinations or reviewing work already completed.  Teachers may also be able to upload work for students to access from home, through Google Classroom.

School closing early

In case of severe weather which occurs during the school day, it may be necessary to release students early.  For example traffic conditions may deteriorate leading to the cancellation, suspension or changed timings of school coaches and/or public transport.  

If this is the case, we will put a message on the school website. We will also aim to send an email and/or a text message to parents/carers. We may ask parents/carers to confirm that they agree to their daughter/son being released early.  

External examinations

Where possible, we will ensure that students sitting external examinations are able to do so, even if the rest of the school is closed.  However the health and safety of students and staff will be our prime concern at all times.  Messages on the school website and emails/text messages to parents/carers will confirm the situation regarding external examinations.   

If you have any concerns or queries about the arrangements in case of severe weather, please contact the school.