The Havelock Schools plan to remain open in all but the most exceptional circumstances. Examples of school closure may be localised flooding, heating failure or adverse weather conditions such as snow. However, if it is necessary to close or partially close, The Havelock Schools will ensure that the following process is followed.
The Executive Headteacher will consider the local circumstances and specific issues relating to the school. It is Executive Headteacher’s decision whether to close the school. This decision will be made as early as possible (usually by 7.30am) so that the information can be added to the websites listed below and broadcast to the public.
The school will inform parents in the following ways:
- Notification on MCAS app
- School social media post Facebook/Instagram
- School website
We kindly ask that any phone calls to the school are kept to a minimum as staff will be busy resolving the situation. If there has been no contact via the above methods, then parents are to assume the school is open as usual.
In the event of a school closure, learning will be sent home via MCAS for the children to complete during the day and submit to their teachers upon their return. A link for a live check in via MS Teams will also be sent via MCAS will be sent during the day for the children to access to maintain contact with school staff.
On days we are OPEN but there is some disruption from snow/ice we will do the following:
- Clear and grit essential pathways as much as possible
- Ask parents and children to use the gritted pathways
- Reduce outdoor times to be suitable for the number of children and conditions at the time during break and lunchtimes
Registration on Snow Days
On snow days, if the school is remaining open, we will extend the registration period to allow for extended travel in difficult conditions. Children will not be marked late until after 9.45am. This extended flexible start will help avoid congestion on the roads and pavements outside school and improve safety. If you do not receive an MCAS notification of this extended registration time then registration will remain at the normal time.
Early Closing for Snow and Severe Weather Dismissals
If the school needs to close early due to deteriorating weather conditions then an MCAS message will be sent to parents along with social media posts. The following procedures will operate:
- Children will remain in their classroom
- All appropriate entrances and corridors will be opened that can be safely supervised
- Parents and carers will collect children directly from designated collection points around the schools communicated in the MCAS message.
Thank you for your patience. We will always do everything possible to keep the school open throughout the winter without compromising the safety of your children.