‘Closing the school may be the right decision where the judgement is that students or staff face significant risk of serious injury in school or travelling to school.  But remember that every lesson counts and consider whether it is reasonably practical to keep open.’ (DFE)

‘Unless specifically told otherwise, staff will be expected to use their best endeavours to attend work without putting themselves or others at risk. When the police and motoring organisations, such as the AA, recommend that motorists undertake only essential journeys this is considered to include travel to work and school.’ (HCC)

The Co-Headteachers, Senior Leadership Team and Premises staff assess the situation in terms of health and safety. We also consult with other local schools. If conditions pose a significant risk, the school will close. There is a robust system for notifying families which includes –

News of any school closure or part school closure will be made available to parents via the school website, www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk   We will also send email notification to parents and students via the regular ‘InTouch’ communication  system as well as updating our Twitter and Facebook pages.

If a substantial amount of snow falls during the day senior staff may decide that the school day should be shortened so that staff and students can leave the site in order to get home in the daylight. School day times may alter – open later, have a shortened lunch and leave earlier.

When we remain open risk assessments will be undertaken to ensure the health and safety of staff, students and all site users. Our premises staff have formulated an action plan which includes clearing and gritting paths and walkways.

There are a number of options which may be adopted, in the case of severe weather, to ensure continuity in teaching and learning for example –

• Certain classes may be asked to stay at home in a specific Key Stage.
• The school is closed and all students will be given online learning.
• School is open but there is a reduced number of staff. Classes may be reorganised with priority being given to exam classes and our primary students in the Larch.
• For students not on site e-learning may be used. In advance departments will prepare work which can be delivered virtually.

The decision to close the school is complicated and not taken lightly. Hopefully the above will show some of the strategies which will be used in the event of snow.