At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we understand the importance of providing a safe, nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish and grow, even during extreme weather conditions. As a maintained primary school serving our local village community, we aim to remain open wherever possible, ensuring continuity of learning and support for our families. This guidance outlines our procedures and expectations during adverse/extreme weather, reflecting our core values of Service, Trust, and Compassion.

Our Commitment to Staying Open

The Department for Education emphasises that schools should, wherever possible, stay open in severe weather to support both pupils and parents. We share this commitment, recognising the vital role our school plays in the community by enabling parents to work and pupils to continue their education.

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice, which can cause disruption. Our Headteacher will make the final decision on whether the school remains open or closes based on:

  • Staff availability to safely run the school
  • Safety conditions on the school site
  • Travel hazards anticipated or present for pupils, staff, and families

Pupil Attendance During Bad Weather

If the school remains open, there is a broad expectation that pupils should attend school. We understand that certain families may face particular difficulties due to their location or circumstances. In such cases, please inform the school using the normal absence procedures. The Headteacher will consider these on a case-by-case basis in line with our values of Trust and Compassion.

Procedures for School Closure

If closure is necessary, the following steps will be taken:

  • The Headteacher assesses conditions and staff availability.
  • The school will aim to provide childcare for pupils of critical workers where possible, staffed by local members of staff.
  • Parents will be notified promptly via Arbor, the school website, and the Kent Closures website (www.kentclosures.co.uk).
  • We encourage parents to sign up for SMS/email alerts on the Kent Closures website and listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent, or Heart FM for updates.

Managing Closure During the School Day

Should severe weather develop during the school day:

  • The Headteacher will decide if early closure is needed.
  • Parents will be contacted via Arbor to collect their children as soon as possible.
  • Staff living furthest away will leave early; those nearby will remain until all pupils are collected.
  • A paediatric first-aider and a designated safeguarding lead will stay on site until all pupils have safely left.

Childcare Provision for Critical Workers

To support families in key roles, the school will maintain a register of pupils eligible to attend during closures. These roles include:

  • Health and Social Care: Doctors, nurses, social workers, care workers, and related frontline staff.
  • Education and Childcare: Teaching and support staff, social workers, specialist education professionals.
  • Public Safety and National Security: Police, fire and rescue, armed forces, probation staff, and others in critical national security roles.

Eligible pupils may also attend our Bridges Bees BASC provision, though parents are encouraged to use this sparingly during closures.

Educational Provision During Closure

Due to the often short notice of weather-related closures, we cannot provide full remote learning. However, pupils are encouraged to continue their learning through:

  • Reading
  • Online platforms such as Numbots, Times Table Rock Stars, Spelling Shed
  • Termly key skills sent home and available on the class pages of our website

Where possible, if a closure is known in advance, teachers will set additional work for families who wish to engage.

How Parents Can Help

To support the smooth running of the school during bad weather, please:

  • Ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately with warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves, wellies, and a change of clothes if needed.
  • Have a back-up plan for early collection and share this with the school to help staff leave safely if early closure is required.

Your cooperation helps us uphold our vision of a caring, resilient community where every pupil can thrive.