Severe Weather Plans

Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents and Families

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. Oakfield Primary Academy will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting pathways, and clearing access points etc.

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

However, if we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, we 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 the 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. We also recommend parents sign up for SMS/ Email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if the school is closed. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.

• Please visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/what-we-look-after/winter-service# for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.

• Please can you provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided – this information will always be on the closures website under “additional information”.

• 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. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping Oakfield remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.