Snow & Inclement Weather Plan
This snow and inclement weather plan covers the contingencies made for heavy snowfall which may result in enforced school closure or restricted opening.
The Northumberland PRU Snow Plan aims to prevent:
- The stranding of pupils and staff
- Unnecessary risks travelling to and from school through good communication
- Excessive impact on children’s education by alternative means of support
- Accidents in the school through good risk assessment
It is Northumberland PRU’s intention that the school will be open on all normal school days even when some poor road conditions exist. However, in the event of a heavy snowfall, we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to attend school and a decision to close or restrict school opening may have to be made.
If the school is closed, a member of staff (where possible) will be available at school to ensure that messages and communication are maintained for the first two hours of closure (8.30 – 10.30). Thereafter, the school will be empty. Should it not be possible for a member of staff to be in school we will ensure that the office email address is checked and responses sent where possible: admin@pru.northumberland.sch.uk
Q&A – snowy days when school is open
Will I be contacted in the event of snow?
Yes, by one of the methods outlined above.
Do I need to contact school?
If you decide for your child not to travel because of the road conditions, please let us know so that we know the students are safe and so that we can relay information to our taxi transport contractors. This can be via email to admin@pru.northumberland.sch.uk or the school phone line: 01670 719529.
Should I travel to school or not?
Always check the website. Parents/carers and staff have to decide whether it is safe for them to make the journey to school. Where possible, the school will try to ensure that there is someone at school to greet the students but if you arrive at school and no member of staff is present, your children must remain your responsibility and should not be left unattended at school.
Impact on education
On days when the school has restricted opening, students may not be taught by their usual teachers or in their usual classes, as we may not have our full quota of staff. However, we will ensure that we have an educationally valid day which will include English and Maths at an appropriate level. If there is a prolonged closure of the school, staff will advise work that may be completed via the school website and via our Google Classroom remote learning platform.
Snow Clearance and Salting
If we are able to we will ensure the site is clear to allow safe access. Salting in and around the paths for access to the school will commence each day as necessary and during the day if conditions require.