Thomas Arnold Primary School
Snow / Extreme Weather Plan
Guidance for Parents and Staff
In matters related to adverse weather conditions, Thomas Arnold will keep the school
open whenever possible, provided the safety of students and staff can be maintained.
The importance of clear communication is essential and this letter and protocol has
been approved by the Headteacher. We will continue to use the same method of
communication we normally use to communicate with you. However, in the extreme
conditions please note that Barking and Dagenham will have approved radio stations
updating you on school closures; Thomas Arnold will communicate with you as parents /
staff through;
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School Website
Approved radio stations
Text messaging
Main school switchboard
Advice to parents and Carers for extreme weather conditions
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IF IT HAS SNOWED PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN TO SCHOOL BY
THEMSELVES AS YOU MAY NEED TO TAKE THEM HOME IF MESSAGES HAVE
NOT GOT THROUGH TO YOU IF SCHOOL HAS HAD TO CLOSE.
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If you arrive by 8.30am your child will be escorted into the building when the bell
sounds. Normal sign in procedures for those students arriving late.
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All classes will be staffed with a member of staff to register the class.
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No Snowballing may be allowed on the playing fields and away from the main
building, subject to school's discretion. This is in the best interests of health and
safety for all pupils, staff and visitors.
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At break time your child can choose to go to the dining room for a snack, the hall
or stay in their classroom. All other areas of the school grounds are out of
bounds.
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If the school has to close because of extreme conditions, the school will text/call
you to collect your child, your child will then be dismissed by their class teacher
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from the Stage Hall. Entrance to the Stage Hall will be via the KS2 Playground
gate.
Parents will have been notified of this closure by way of a text message, plus a
message posted on the school website.
In the event of a school closure, The Headteacher will act on advice from
Barking and Dagenham Local Authority.
Please be assured that if we have admitted your child in the morning and the
weather deteriorates during the day, while pupils are at school, best efforts will
be made to ensure those pupils entitled to a free school meal are provided with
a sandwich and a drink as a minimum.
If conditions are bad the following morning and our school remains closed,
please check our website for updates and your phone for a text message from
us.
Advice for Staff
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The school will remain open as normal except for extreme weather conditions.
The expectation is that if safe to do so, staff is to make their way to school.
Staffs who drive to school may consider a different form of transport provided
there are no station closures.
Our aim is to continue to provide our service to the families and community we
serve despite weather conditions.
The Headteacher will inform staff both staff and parents the night before if the
school is closed the following day.
Staff are encouraged and reminded to check the :
School Website and Local Authority website
Approved radio stations
Text messaging
Main school switchboard
Late Arrival of staff - the school accepts that in the event of snow, staff may be delayed
in arriving on time, please inform the main reception of this, and continue to update the
school on your expected time of arrival. The school will undertake to ensure your class is
supervised by another member of staff.
Guidance for Site Manager
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Gates to playgrounds remain locked
Footpath to Reception entrance to be cleared and gritted/ Staff Park to be
gritted and footpath created for staff to access the main building safely.
Warning Notices for slippery surfaces to be displayed
Check heating temperatures in the school and water temperatures
Liaise with H&S officer and Headteacher about any risks /concerns regarding
staff and pupil safety.
Lando Du Plooy
Drafted: December 2012
Health and Safety Officer for Thomas Arnold
Snow / Extreme Weather Protocols and Guidance