Snow and Icy Policy

When the local area experiences severe snow or icy conditions Co-op Academy Hillside will aim to remain open referencing the following:  

• The condition of the site and the surrounding area
•  The supervision of pupils when on site
• State of pathways, steps and slopes around the school
• Condition of roads and pathways in the local area
• If the school's heating, lighting and water is working correctly
• Whether catering can be provided
• Availability of public transport and school coaches
• Weather forecast
• Numbers of staff likely to be able to travel to work

The decision to close the school can only be taken by the Executive Headteacher. However the school will aim, wherever possible, to stay open to ensure continuity of education. Notification of closure will be through text message via Arbor, the school’s social media and email if necessary. It is vital that parents read the message themselves rather than rely on a verbal version from others as arrangements may be very specific and change from day to day.  

The senior leadership team on site will organise the staffing allocations irrespective of normal responsibilities. The priorities will be the safe supervision of the children and the continuity of education.  

Alternatives to closing the school include:  

• Late start  
• Early finish  
• Access for a restricted group of pupils  

Managing the site:  

When the site is snowy or icy a small number of designated access routes will be identified and kept clear and gritted, by the Premises Supervisior. These routes will be routinely publicised to parents. Thick snow may not be cleared as this can be safer than a cleared route that has frozen. Compacted snow will be cleared by shovel and ice will be gritted. Outdoor playtimes may still take place as long as the senior member of staff on site, in consultation with the Site Manager, deems it safe to do so. Pupils may be asked to wear suitable clothes and footwear that complements their school uniform and may also  bring some changes of clothing, including socks.

Procedures in the event of heavy snow:

The decision to stay open or close the school is made by 7.30 a.m. where possible. This will be based on whether:  

1.  A member of the senior leadership team is on site.
2. The condition of the site and the surrounding area
3.  The supervision of pupils when on site
4. State of pathways, steps and slopes around the school
5. Condition of roads and pathways in the local area
6. If the school's heating, lighting and water is working correctly
7. Whether catering can be provided
8. Availability of public transport and school coaches
9. Weather forecast
10. Numbers of staff likely to be able to travel to work

Once the decision to close is made, it cannot be reversed, even if weather conditions improve. Please accept our apologies in advance if the decision turns out to be the wrong one but we have to decide on the basis of the information we have at the time and with enough notice to allow parents to make alternative arrangements.  

If the school needs to close, the Executive Head will arrange for the following actions to be taken by 8:00am:  

• We will send a text message announcing the school closure, to all parents and staff who have provided us with their current mobile number at, or soon after, 8.00am.
• Website will be updated - https://www.hillside.coopacademies.co.uk/
• Social media updated (Facebook)
• The Local Authority will be notified and their School Closures Page updated
• Radio will also announce details of all school closures as per the LA information.

If the school remains open but the snowfall becomes heavier during the day, we will endeavour to stay open until 3.00pm and where possible stay open for after school clubs. In the event that this becomes impossible, we will notify parents via text to collect their children. We will however, look after all children until they are collected, regardless of how late this may be.  

Parents can pick up children early but children will need to be "signed" out, with the usual requirements that we are informed by parents themselves if children are to go home with other adults.  

Children who ordinarily go home on their own must stay at school until home-time, unless otherwise advised by a parent.  

 We advise parents/carers not to phone the Academy to ask if we are open/closed where possible to avoid blocking the phone line as this makes it even harder to cope with the complex situation in school.