Severe Weather Information - 29/11/10

Information confirming whether the school is to open or whether it is to remain closed will be sent in the first instance by text as early as is practicable each morning.  This will ensure that parent/carers are in a position of knowledge and can make suitable child care arrangements in good time.  Mr Spens (Deputy Headteacher) will upload a ‘confirmation of closure’ statement onto our school website as soon as is practicable.  These measures will ensure that we at St John’s are well prepared this winter for any eventuality.

In addition to our own provisions the local authority will also post a closure message on their BANES website.  It was the failure of this new website under the weight of demand that caused so much confusion during February’s snowy weather.  Please be advised that St John’s School has no control over the speed at which the BANES website is updated or indeed if the web based service will function more effectively this year should it be called upon.

You will also recall that on one occasion, and after I had secured enough staff to arrive on foot to open the school, the local authority took the decision to blanket close all its schools (without informing the schools themselves).  This led to a great deal of confusion.  It is not impossible that the authority may make a similar call once again and without contacting me directly before making the announcement. Should this happen, and once I am informed of the authority’s decision to blanket close its schools, I will ensure that our school text service confirms the decision to minimise the inevitable confusion that this situation will cause.

To summarise, please assume that the school will be open unless you receive a text from myself or Mr Spens to advise you that the school is to remain closed for the day.  We shall do all we can to minimise disruption for our families and to keep the school open.  If the forecast is correct and the school is kept open, please ensure your child has the proper warm clothing and footwear so that they can go out to play and enjoy the snow!

Mr Cottrell.