Severe Weather

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. It is the responsibility of parents to decide if it is safe to bring children to school in poor weather conditions.

We recognise that it is important our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. Bean Primary will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting outside the front of the school and on paths within the school.

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

If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, Mr Reilly 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, the school website and by sending a text message to parents’ mobiles.  To determine whether Bean Primary is open or closed please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk (search for the school in the search box) or view www.beanprimary.schooljotter2.com. We will also send a text message via Parentmail, however we do recommend that you check the websites.  Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.

What can you do to help?

• Please visit kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.
• Please can you provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided.
• Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies 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.