Severe Weather Guidance

Severe Weather Procedures

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and families is our highest priority. In the event of severe weather, such as heavy snowfall, high winds or flooding, we will make every effort to keep the school open wherever it is safe to do so. Severe weather can affect travel conditions and may also impact the school's heating, hot water, sanitation, utilities or food deliveries. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to close the school.

1. Severe Weather

Parents and carers should assess whether it is safe for their child to travel to and from school. Weather conditions can vary considerably across the local area, and families are best placed to judge whether their journey is safe. If you decide that it is unsafe for your child to attend school due to severe weather, please inform the school as soon as possible. We ask that children are only kept at home when travel conditions genuinely make the journey unsafe.

2. School Closure

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School will only close after a thorough risk assessment has determined that the safety of pupils and staff cannot be assured, or if essential services such as heating, water or sanitation are unavailable. Should a closure be necessary, we will communicate this as quickly as possible through the following channels:

• The school website homepage. www.stvincents.trafford.sch.uk
• Email to parents and carers.
• Trafford Council's school closures webpage. www.trafford.gov.uk/schoolclosures
• Google Classroom, where teachers will provide information and home learning if required.

3. Re-opening

When it is safe for the school to reopen, parents and carers will be informed using the same communication methods listed above.

4. How Parents Can Help

If your child is attending school during severe weather, please ensure they:

• Wear warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
• Bring a spare pair of socks in case their feet become wet.

Please do not telephone the school to check whether we are open. We will communicate any updates as soon as possible using the channels listed above.