The decision to close the school is a serious one. The main consideration will always be the health and safety of the children and staff. Parents and carers should be aware that all schools are different and can be affected in different ways, depending on whether children come to school by bus, car, walk or whether there is sufficient staff etc.

If the school is closed before the school day starts, parents and carers will be informed in the following ways:

• School website – a message will appear by or shortly after 7.30am each day of closure. The website will be updated with information during the day.
• Facebook – information will also be posted on the school’s Facebook page.
• Email – an email will be sent to all contacts with parental responsibility.
• SMS – a message will be sent to the primary contact.
• Somerset Council Website – information will be published under school closures: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/school-life/school-closures/ 
• Radio – the following stations will pick up school closures for broadcast/publication on their websites: BBC Somerset Sound (95.5 FM), Heart FM (102.6 FM, 97.1 FM - Yeovil, 96.5 FM - Taunton)

Parents and carers are asked not to phone the school, so that the telephone lines can be kept clear for staff. Once parents/carers hear that school is to be closed through one of the official channels above, it is always helpful if they contact other families they know, to help the message get through efficiently. 

Please do not assume that school will be closed.

The school’s priority is to keep all pupils safe and calm. If the school has to be closed during the school day, the school will begin a procedure for contacting parents/carers as soon as possible, through the above channels.

In such occasions, the main aim is to ensure the safety of the children on the school site whilst waiting to be collected. The school will stay open for as long as possible and, although there may not be enough teachers to teach lessons, supervised activities will be provided so that children can remain in school even though normal lessons will be disrupted. Everything reasonably possible will be done to ensure children’s safety and well-being.

Opening the school in adverse weather conditions

If the decision has been made that the school can safely open, pupils are encouraged to wear suitable footwear (e.g. wellington boots) on their way to and from school, and to bring their school shoes to change into once in school.

The school will implement our gritting procedures to minimise the dangers of slipping on frost, snow and ice in outside areas and on access routes. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure their own safety. This is particularly important when there is a chance that an area may be slippery, such as during periods of cold weather and/or snow when there is a danger of ice having formed.

Site Evacuation

If in the extremely unlikely event it is decided to evacuate the school site as a matter of urgency, the children will be taken to The Castle School. You will be notified of the arrangements for collecting your child(ren) who will be safe and supervised.

Important Notes

Actual delivery of emails and SMS messages is beyond the control of the school.
In severe weather situations, communication systems may be adversely affected.