Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice.  Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption.  Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service.

As a fundamental principle, every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend.  However, schools may close due to “unavoidable” circumstances.  Those circumstances being that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be onsite.

We recognise that it is important our school remains open, so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn.  Grange Park School will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting pathways and clearing access points etc.

 

How will we let you know if the school is closed?

If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, Miss Atwell may have to take the decision to close the school.  Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the Kent Closures website.  To determine whether Grange Park School is open or closed, please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk.  Search for the school in the search box.  The Kent closures website may also be used to find out if other services in Kent are open or closed, such as nurseries, children’s centres and libraries.  We also recommend parents sign up for Email alerts on the Kent Closures website.  This service will send an email alert to let parents know if Grange Park School is closed.  Local radio will sometimes provide information of school closures. We will also endeavour to inform you via our text messaging service (Parentmail), so please ensure we have your current mobile number.

 

What can you do to help?

Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.

Check with the school to see whether you need to provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided.

Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies etc. or even a change of clothing.

If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up or early arrival of your child at home, please could you put a back-up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school.  If your child travels by taxi, then we will inform you that the school will be closing early to ensure you are fully aware that your child will be arriving home early. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping Grange Park School remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.