School Closures
School Closure Procedure
Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to close the school. The school will only close if we have insufficient staff to supervise children or if it is believed that there would be undue risks to staff and/or pupils by travelling to school and/or the school site presents a risk to health and safety. If the weather forecast shows the likelihood of a marked deterioration during the course of the morning, we could also take the decision to close.
The Headteacher makes the decision regarding closure after consulting with staff and Chair of Governors after considering the safety of the school site. It is difficult to do this much in advance because conditions can differ across the area. We will aim to advise everyone by 7:30am.
How will you be informed?
- We will post a message on the home page of the school website via scrolling text.
- We will send a message via Dojo and MyEd
- We will register any closures on Bracknell Forest Council’s website
- Inform Radio Stations (BBC Radio Berkshire and Heart FM)
School Lockdown Procedure
As a Primary school we need to have a plan for "lockdowns". Lockdown procedures are important and would be used in response to an internal or external incident which could be a threat to the safety of staff and children in the school.
Lockdown procedures may be activated in response to any number of situations. These may be:
- A reported incident, disturbance in the local community
- An intruder on the site
- A warning being received regarding a local risk of air pollution (smoke plume, gas cloud etc)
- A major fire in the vicinity of the school
- The close proximity of a dangerous dog roaming close
In order to warn of these dangers we have a clear procedure.
In the event of an actual lockdown, any incident or development will be communicated to parents as soon as is practicable. Parents will be given enough information about what will happen so that they :
- Are reassured that the school understand their concern for their child’s welfare, and that it is doing everything possible to ensure their safety
- Do not need to contact the school. Calling the school could tie up telephone lines that are needed for contacting emergency providers
- Do not come to the school. They could interfere with emergency provider’s access to the school and may even put themselves and others in danger
- Wait for the school to contact them about when it is safe for you to come and collect their children, and where this will be from.
Parents will be told:
“ …the school is in a full lockdown situation. During this period the switchboard and entrances will be un-manned, external doors locked and nobody allowed in or out…”
Parents and carers will then be informed as soon as the situation has been resolved and how they will be able to collect their children.
