Aim of the snow plan – This plan covers the contingencies made for heavy snowfall which may result in enforced school closure or restricted opening.

This plan aims to prevent:

• The stranding of students and staff
• Unnecessary risks travelling to and from school through good communication
• Excessive impact on children’s education by alternative means of support
• Accidents in the school through good risk assessment

It is our intention that the school will be open on all normal school days even when some poor road conditions exist. However, in the event of a heavy snowfall, we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to attend school and a decision to close or restrict school opening may have to be made.

If the school is closed, a member of staff (where possible) will be available at school to ensure that messages and communication are maintained for the first two hours of closure (8.30 – 10.30). Thereafter, the school will be empty. Should it not be possible for a member of staff to be in school we will ensure that the office email address is checked and responses sent where possible: admin@castleview.essex.sch.uk

Decision

If the weather conditions are severe enough to force closure or restricted opening, this decision will be communicated by the following means:

• Via the school website – running message on the home page
• Parent text
• Local radio where possible

The decision to close the school will be taken by the Head and Chair of Governors and will be taken by 7.30am at the latest.

Restricted opening – where school is open but some staff may be unable to attend or where weather conditions may prevent some students from attending:  
Parents are asked to exercise extreme caution when dropping off or collecting children by car. At the end of the day, the children will be dismissed as usual but there will be no after-school clubs.

Communications  

As above, once a decision is made. The school phone is likely to be very busy and it may not be possible to get through so we would ask parents to use the means of communication outlined above instead.

Q&A – snowy days when school is open  

Will I be contacted in the event of snow? 

Yes, by one of the methods outlined above. However, school will not contact parents individually.

Do I need to contact school? 

If you decide not to travel because of the road conditions, please let us know so that we know the students are safe. This can be via email to admin@castleview.essex.sch.uk  or the school phone line (01268) 696811. If you are planning to come in to school but may be late, please also let the office know so we can make suitable provision.

Should I travel to school or not? 

Always check the website. Parents and staff have to decide whether it is safe for them to make the journey to school. Where possible, the school will try to ensure that there is someone at school to greet the students but if you arrive at school and no member of staff is present, your children must remain your responsibility and should not be left unattended at school.

Will there be after-school clubs?  

No.

When should I collect my child? 

Parents who decide to bring their children to school are welcome to collect their child at 2.50.

Impact on education 

On days when the school has restricted opening, students may not be taught by their usual teachers or in their usual classes, as we may not have our full quota of staff. However, we will ensure that we have an educationally valid day which will include English and Maths at an appropriate level. If there is a prolonged closure of the school, staff will advise work that may be completed via the school website and Doddle.

Snow Clearance and Salting

If we are able to we will ensure the site is clear to allow safe access. Salting in and around the paths for access to the school will commence each day as necessary and during the day if conditions require.