PUPIL SAFETY - PROCEDURES FOR ADVERSE WEATHER SCHOOL CLOSURE

When considering whether pupils should be sent home because of adverse weather conditions, the prime consideration of the school will be the safety of pupils and staff.  Where that decision is not straightforward we will err on the side of safety.

We will also operate on the principle that it is better if pupils do not come to school when weather conditions are likely to deteriorate.  This is preferable to having pupils sent home during the day without parents knowing in advance.

Guidance for Parents

Parents are asked to discuss with your children the dangers that can be created by a severe snowstorm especially if pupils try to walk home alone.   They must not.....

Walk home from school.
Go home with a friend.
Go home with a friend on a different bus.
Go on the bus if they have a distance to walk at the other end.
Parents should make sure their child knows exactly what to do or where to go if they are not at home and if necessary make personal arrangements with a neighbour.

If weather conditions deteriorate rapidly making it impossible for the buses to run, all bus pupils with a snow address will be sent to that address.  Bus pupils without a snow address will be kept in school until they are collected by their parents.  If this is not possible due to weather conditions the remaining pupils will be kept in school overnight if necessary (emergency arrangements have been made for this).

In a snow storm emergency as we have approximately 700 pupils to transport, contacting all parents will be impossible.  Parents are encouraged however to contact the school to keep us informed of arrangements they may be making to collect their son/daughter or keep us informed of local conditions.

Contact Information:

Information Line: 0870 054 4999, Pin Number 021100
Website:  http://web.archive.org/web/20071030172832/http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/closures
School Number: 01771 622994 (only if need to talk to member of staff)