Please note, that the contents of this page are key summary points and will not legislate for every eventuality. We work in partnership with the local authority to assess each individual situation as it occurs.
During severe cold winter weather, schools and services can be affected for a variety of reasons, e.g.:
- the access roads are not treated as they are not on a priority or severe weather route ;
- pupils are unable to reach school safely;
- school buses stop operating and public transport is severely disrupted;
- problems with the heating and/or water supply;
- access routes around the establishment are considered hazardous or are blocked by snow and ice
Ms Gorrie , keeps an adequate stock of salt and gritting material and as soon as treacherous conditions develop, gritting and / or salt scattering is carried out to provide a direct pathway to the school.
Communication
We will communicate with you via email, phone call or text message with the information you have given the school. Please ensure your details are up to date by reporting any change of email addresses or contact numbers to the school office. In addition, information will be posted via the school and ERC Twitter accounts.
In the event that the main school entrance cannot be accessed, an alternative entrance at the community MUGA will be opened.
School Closure Protocol (during the school day)
In the event that a closure has been deemed appropriate, this will be communicated and agreed with the Director of Education. We will then notify you of the closure via email, text message, School Twitter and ERC Twitter for you to make arrangements for the collection of your child. Staff will remain in the building until all pupils have been collected.
In very extreme circumstances, some children may not be able to get home and may have to remain in school beyond the school day. This situation will be discussed with parents and, with support of senior school staff and the Education Department; children will be accommodated in school until arrangements are put in place for their safe transport home.
When the school has been safely closed, we will liaise with the Education Department on subsequent arrangements. At the earliest opportunity, we will then carry out an assessment of the conditions for re-opening the school. Arrangements for re-opening the school will be communicated to parents via the school’s website and other local media.
We would urge you to follow us @UplawmoorPS on Twitter where the most up to date and accurate information will be communicated.
School Closure Protocol (out of hours)
Should a closure be required (out of hours) we will communicate this as early as possible to provide as much advanced warning, to allow for childcare arrangements etc to be considered.
Hopefully we will not need to put these arrangements in place. However, we trust you will find the information helpful and I ask that you ensure your child/children know what arrangements you have made in the event of school closure.
