“Schools should, wherever possible, stay open in severe weather. They play a key role in their communities and by staying open help both their pupils and parents.”
– Department for Education

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 that our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. Eythorne Elvington CP School will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting paths and making the site safe for pupils, parents and staff.

How will the school let parents know if the school is closed?
However, if we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, Mr Garvey may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the school email system and the Kent Closures website.
To determine whether school is open or closed please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk. Search for the school in the search box. The Kent Closures website can 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 SMS/email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if our school is closed. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.

What can parents do to help?
Don’t forget suitable warm clothing for your children – 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, please could you put a back-up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping Eythorne Elvington CP School remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.
Link to www.kentclosures.co.uk