St.Marys

Emergency Closures Policy (Sept 2008)

Introduction
St.Mary's school policy on emergency closures was drafted as a whole school exercise by staff in consultation with Management and Parents' Association in March/April of 2008
Rationale
The need for the school to devise a policy on emergency closures is primarily due to:
{a} Inclement weather, such as heavy snowfalls, high winds, flooding etc.
\ ailure of school heating system.
{c} Services such as water and electricity being disconnected which would necessitate the school closing.
\ ther unforeseen circumstances.
Relationship to School Ethos
St.Marys' BNS strives to provide a child friendly , secure environment catering for the needs of all pupils as far as is practicable and where respect is fostered in culture which values diversity and difference.
Aims and Objectives
To provide for the welfare of all pupils, staff and parents.(see Health Safety and Welfare statement)
To ensure a safe, child friendly school environment is available to all children
To conform with Health and safety legislation
Procedures for Emergency Closures :
Heavy Snowfall / Dangerous Conditions
In the event of any of the above, the Principal will consult with the Chairperson of the B.O.M. As soon as possible a decision will be made as to whether it is in the interests of all parties to close the school.

On very rare occasions in the past, due to very severe weather conditions St.Mary's has been closed. On such rare occasions it was very difficult to predict for certain that the school would be open. We recognise this unpredictably causes problems for children, parents and staff. However, every effort will be made to keep the school functioning if at all possible and to keep parents informed.

Guidelines
If it is obvious to parents that the road conditions are so hazardous that the staff and children may not be able to reach the school in time, Parents should not send children to school until 10.00am.
Parents should telephone the school for guidelines and await a text via text a parent-
Parents are asked to adopt a common sense approach. If in doubt wait.
The school gates will be closed on such occasions and children will not be admitted until a viable number of staff has arrived at school.
If an emergency should result in the closure of the school – (an extremely rare possibility): The gates will remain closed and children will be sent home ON ARRIVAL at the school.

SUGGESTIONS IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES

Encourage your child to return home immediately on being sent home.
Tell child what to do if you are not at home , e.g..Go to a friend's house – by prior arrangement and contact you by telephone from there.
This is especially important for children with working parents.
If the child is confused/ unsure and finds nobody home ect. Advise him to go back to the teacher / school IMMEDIATELY. Staff will be on hand.
BUT, PLEASE REMBER THERE ARE 430 CHILDERN IN THE SCHOOL !!
N.B. THE SCHOOL WILL REMAIN OPEN IF AT ALL POSSIBLE

The children will NOT be sent home from school, WITHOUT NOTICE on any day that they have been ADMITTED to the classroom.

Heating Failure during school.

{a} If time permits parents may be contacted by text message.
\ ll children will remain in their classrooms with the teacher.
{c} Children will be allowed to go home as authorised on emergency closure forms.
Disconnection of Services
Where water or electricity services to the school are to be disconnected, a weeks notification is normally given to the school authorities. This enables the school to furnish the parent body with relevant advance warning of such closures via circular.
Critical Incident / Death
In some instances the school might remain closed for pupils in the event of a critical incident or death of a staff member, B.O.M. Member or pupil. Parents will be informed of such closures by circular. In this particular instance, the school may remain open to staff and B.O.M. or Parents Association if issues such as church services, guards of honour, readings or counselling is required (See Critical Incident Policy)
Please note
As a general rule notice of all staff meetings,school planning days and early closings will be given to parents at least one week in advance
Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly.
Note: This policy was approved by the staff of the school on __________
By the Parents Association on __________
And by the Board of Management at it's meeting on ___________

Signed _______________ Chairperson of the Board.