Snow & bad weather

School Closures Due to Poor Weather

The school normally remains open even in really bad weather. If conditions force the school not to open in the morning, we will ensure that the local radio stations are informed. Staff will be at the school to meet pupils and parents should they have not heard the radio messages. Parents are asked to listen to BBC Radio Stoke if they are concerned. School closures are very rare.

If we are forced to close early due to circumstances beyond our control we will aim to check that there is someone in at home to receive your child. It is therefore vital that we have your latest 'phone and contact numbers. If you suspect that we may be forced to close early or want to check the current situation please check this website

In any situation staff will remain until parents can be contacted.

General Information

If the school does not plan to open in the morning how will I find out?
We will ask local radio to broadcast the news of a school closure. This website will normally be updated with news of the closure between 6.30 and 7.00 a.m. On the rare occasion that the decision is made after this time, the site will be updated as soon as possible after that time.

What happens if I miss the news and my child arrives at school.
We will always have staff there and they will look after them until arrangements can be made.

What happens if there is bad weather during the day and we are forced to close early.
This site will be updated as soon as the decision is made. We will also ask local radio to broadcast the news. After the morning 'rush hour' these broadcasts may not be regular.

How can I contact school during the day if I am worried about whether the school is about to close?
Normally school closures will be notified by the website but if you are worried please phone the main school number 01782 729400. Our telephone system has been improved so as to better cope with calls during situations such as this.

What about texting?
We no longer send text messages to parents to inform them about school closures. Some schools have experienced problems with this type of message and we want to avoid putting your child in any danger. This is because it can be hard to interpret the source of the text message. As a result we have stopped using this method. Please do not send a text message asking for us to release a child - we will need to be able to confirm that the message is reliable before we will allow your child to leave. Similarly we will need to know that the message was received by the actual parent before we can release a child. For this reason we would ask you to contact the school by phone.

How will children be sent home if we do close early?
We will stay with children as long as it takes to ensure that they are safely released. If you send another person than yourself to collect your child, make sure that we know who is picking them up.

What about school buses?
Our local services usually arrive even if late! Only pupils who normally walk home will be allowed to walk home unless we have the parent's permission.

How should my child contact me during the day?
Pupils should always contact parents through the school telephone system. They should go to the Student Services Office. This is staffed throughout the day. Alternatively they can go to their tutor or Head of Year.
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