Emergency Closure Procedure

Dear Parents,

Emergency Closure Procedures

In the event that a significant fall of snow does happen I would like to keep you informed of the procedures and criteria that will be applied should it be necessary to close.

1. Have the police issued a "Do not travel warning"?
2. Does the school have all utilities working?
3. Can the catering staff produce a meal?
4. Are there sufficient adults on the premises?
5. Can all staff and children get home safely?

If there is a snowfall overnight, I will endeavour to make the decision as early as possible. The decision to close will be passed onto Alpha Radio (103.2 fm) and also put onto our website (www.heighington.ik.org). There is a ticker tape that runs across the website home page. This will be changed to read WEATHER NEWS and it will be followed by the day, time and whether school is open or closed. Try it today!

If conditions worsen during the day and it becomes necessary to close early because of the risk to adults and pupils travelling to school by car, we will endeavour to contact as many parents as possible. You would also be welcome to contact us although the phone lines might be busy. Email would be especially efficient (admin@heighington.darlington.sch.uk) we would reply immediately. For parents who work some distance away from school or use CANDLES; would you please consider having an emergency collection arrangement with a friend or neighbour and sharing this information with both the CANDLES staff and your child. This person would only be asked to collect your child as a last resort.

It is a very difficult decision to make, but the safety of all children and adults must be put first .

If you have any difficulties, or need more information please contact the School Office - 01325 300326.

Yours sincerely

M.N.Parker
Headteacher Back to top