Bad weather arrangements - Boys' & Girls' schools

It is hoped very much that we shall not experience a severe winter this year, but in case we do it may be helpful to parents for us to repeat the guide-lines we gave in previous years. These are:

a) The schools will remain open whenever possible and parents are asked to make every endeavour to get their sons and daughters to school each day. In the event that the schools have to close, messages will be placed on the schools' websites and on the switchboard answering service.

b) Parents are asked not to telephone the schools in the morning as we must keep the lines clear for urgent messages from the coach stewards.

c) Coach drivers who set out will be urged to make every effort to reach the schools, trying alternative routes where necessary.

d) In case the coach driver cannot get through and has to return his passengers to their pick-up points, parents are asked to ensure that their sons and daughters know what they are to do in this eventuality. If they have to telephone please ensure they have the number on them and the means to make the call.

e) If a girl or boy is too young to get him/herself home unaccompanied or lives too far away from the coach stop to walk, then please make arrangements with another passenger to look after him or her, and to take them home; but parents are asked to remember that the older students should not be relied upon to be child minders for an extended period. The coach stewards (or in their absence, school prefects), will be responsible for seeing that everyone can get home and that younger children are accompanied by someone going in their direction whenever possible.

f) A member of staff of one of our two schools, or a coach steward, will be appointed as the contact in case of emergency at each coach pick-up point. If therefore, the coach company cancels the coach service on a particular morning this member of staff or coach stewards will be informed by telephone and he/she will go to the coach stop as if the coach were still running in order to send the would-be passengers home.

g) If the coaches are running but are delayed in reaching the pick-up on time, boys and girls should wait for 30 minutes after the usual departure time, before being allowed to return home. Try to ensure that younger pupils have access to their homes, or suitable alternatives.

h) Pupils should wear sensible boots and plenty of warm clothes. Please do not let your son or daughter set out inadequately or unsuitably clad. They should have a spare pair of socks and shoes in school during a period of bad weather.

December 13th, 2006