ADVERSE WEATHER INFORMATION

Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents & Carers
Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service. As a fundamental principle every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend. However, schools may close due to ‘unavoidable’ circumstances. Those circumstances being that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be onsite.

We recognise that it is important our school remains open so parents & carers are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. Wainscott Primary and Nursery School will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting pathways and clearing access points.

How will we let you know if the school is closed?
If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, we may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents and carers as early as we can via Twitter (@wainscottschool), Facebook (@wainscottprimary) and an email message.

What happens if the school is closed?

If school is closed-the children will access their learning virtually. This will consist of a virtual lesson at 10am and at 1:30pm. Additional learning can be accessed on the home learning page of the school website: Home Learning

What can you do to help?

• Visit the School website (key information) for the latest information
• KM FM School Closure Announcements
• Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey
• Please approach the school from the main entrance
• Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies etc. or even a change of clothing
• If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up, please could you put a back‐up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates

Extreme Heat

Sometimes the temperature during the school day will increase to a notifiable level.  If this occurs, the school will take the following actions but we will not close the school for this type of weather condition:

• If it is a projected weather warning, children will be expected to come into school wearing sun hats, sun cream and with lots of water to drink during the day
• The school will ensure the children are hydrated during the day by giving frequent hydration breaks and access to water stations
• Playtimes and break times will be reduced to minimum time outdoors
• All learning will take place indoors
• The staff will keep the school ventilated by leaving windows open, early in the morning and closing them (leaving only a small gap) when the temperature outside becomes higher than inside. Air Conditioning in those classrooms which are fitted with units will be turned on