Snow Guidance

The pupils will be thrilled if snow arrives but it may cause one or two problems. We will always do everything we can to remain open during snowy weather; however, the safety and well-being of our children and staff are of utmost importance to us and any decision to close the school will be taken after we have considered the following:

Are there enough staff members, including qualified first aiders? We may decide to open later to allow more time for staff and children to make their way into school safely
Are the school grounds sufficiently clear of snow/ice to be safe for access?
Are the school’s heating and water supplies working?

Snowfall Overnight

If there is heavy snowfall overnight, we will need to decide whether it is safe to open the school. We will do everything possible to make our decision by 7:30am. If we decide not to open, we will:

Send a text message to all parents/carers informing them of our decision
Update the school website – see the scrolling alert bar at the top of the screen
Update the Gossops Green Primary Facebook Page

The above procedures include breakfast and after school clubs. We ask that parents and carers do not telephone the school in the morning as this may disrupt our efforts to communicate with other parents / agencies.

If we do open and the snowfall is significant, we will try and clear a many paths within the school grounds as possible but we may decide, for everyone’s safety, to only open the Kidborough Road gate for entry to the school. Children will then enter the school building via the Year 3 door (younger children will then be walked to their classroom by members of staff). Signs will be placed on the other gates to inform parents of this.

Snowfall during the School Day

If there is heavy snowfall during the school day, we will contact parents and carers via text, the website and Facebook to let them know if the school is closing earlier than usual and ask them to arrange for their child to be picked up.

Members of school staff who live in vulnerable geographical areas will be invited to go home at the safest opportunity.

Snow Play

We understand the enjoyment that snow brings and believe that children should be allowed to play outside during snowy conditions, as long as school safety guidelines are followed.

The Principal will decide whether to allow the children to play outside during snowy weather and will arrange for extra supervision in the playgrounds where necessary. So that they can safely enjoy snow play, children must be dressed warmly. Please send your child to school with warm, waterproof clothing and wellington boots. Please clearly mark your child’s name on all boots (as with all clothing brought into school).

Planning Ahead – Please have the school phone number with you at all times and ensure that the school has your correct mobile phone number on Arbor. If your child is going to be collected by another adult then please inform the school as we will not be able to release a child without your permission.