Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents and Families

“Schools should, wherever possible, stay open in severe weather. They play a key role in their communities and by staying open help both their pupils and parents.” – Department for Education.

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 that our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn.  Burham CE Primary School will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by e.g. gritting pathways, clearing access points etc.

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

However, if we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, our headteacher may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the Kent Closures website. To determine whether Burham CE Primary School is open or closed please visit: www.kentclosures.co.uk.  Search for the school in the search box. 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 may wish to sign up their SMS/Email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if Burham CE Primary School is closed.  Burham CE Primary School also operates its own text messaging service.

What can you do to help?

• Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.
• In the event of snow/ice please try to avoid parking/driving down Bell Lane as the road is often not gritted immediately by the council.
• 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 in writing. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping Burham CE Primary School remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.