Criteria

It is our policy to remain open unless we are forced to close because there is a risk to the health and safety of staff and pupils. The Head Teacher is responsible for making the decision to close the school due to inclement weather conditions in the immediate locality. The Director of Schools will be responsible for making the decision to close all schools during periods of inclement weather conditions throughout the Borough.

The decision will be taken on the basis of one or more of the following criteria:

(a) Prolonged and excessively high temperatures (e.g. 35 Degrees Centigrade)

(b) Prolonged and excessive low temperatures (e.g. Minus 15 Degrees Centigrade)

(d) Prolonged and excessive snow fall resulting in public transport being cancelled and travel to school not being possible or safe

(e) Excessive and prolonged rainfall/flooding resulting in public transport being cancelled and travel to school not being possible or safe

How parents will be notified that the school will be closed

Closure before the school day: If the school is to be closed, there will be an announcement on the following radio station to state this.

BEACON RADIO'S WEATHER LINE (97.2FM Beacon Radio)

Such an event is highly unlikely and will be avoided where possible. There is no need for parents to contact the school to check whether or not the school is open. Unless announced on the radio station above, the school will be open.

While we understand parental concerns, it would be helpful if parents/carers were aware of the difficulty for an office potentially responding to literally hundreds of calls. Parents should not telephone the school at these times unless there is an emergency.

If the school is forced to close overnight for any other reason, a notice will be also displayed outside the school at the entrances.

Closure during the school day:

Should the weather turn worse during a school day, pupils will only be sent home if there are satisfactory arrangements for them returning safely.

No child will be sent home to an empty house, not even children whom normally walk home on their own. Should any parent/carer wish to make any alternative arrangements for their child they should put these in writing to the Head Teacher.

Parents will be contacted by telephone or text message should this situation occur. Please ensure that the school has the most up to date emergency contact numbers, if you have not already done so.

Actions for staff if the school is to close:

Staff will be contacted in accordance with the school Weather Line in the event of a decision being made to close the school in adverse weather conditions as early as possible (normally be 07:30am) to avoid unnecessary journeys to work.

All staff have a responsibility for dealing with early closure during the school day and will be directed by SMT in the event of such an occurrence e.g. responsibilities for communicating decision within the school, contacting parents/carers, dealing with children whose parents/carers cannot be contacted etc.

Organisations to be contacted if the school is to close:

Contact telephone numbers for all necessary organizations are as follows:

School DCSF Number - 3332057 (may be required to register a closure)

Organisation

Telephone Number

** Education and Children's Service (Access Unit)

To be informed in accordance with the policy to close the school

0121 5698298/8345

education_childrens@sandwell.gov.uk

BBC WM Radio

0121-567 6000

Galaxy Radio

0121-629 0000

** Beacon Radio

01902-461 300 or 07870150120 (newswolverhampton@musicradio.com)

Smooth Radio

0121-452 1057

CENTRO (Public Transport)

0121-200 2787

Sandwell Community Transport

0121-520 8168