Emergency Closure Procedures

Procedure should we need to close the school unexpectedly, or in an emergency.

At The Bulmershe School, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. In certain situations, such as severe weather conditions or other emergencies, it may become necessary to close the school temporarily. This webpage outlines our procedures for such closures to ensure clear communication and minimal disruption to learning.

1. Decision-Making Process

The decision to close the school will be made by the Headteacher in consultation with senior staff, based on factors including:

• Safety of Access: Assessing whether students and staff can safely travel to and from school.
• On-Site Safety: Ensuring the school premises are safe for occupancy.
• Staffing Levels: Determining if there are sufficient staff present to supervise students effectively.

Following the decision to close, the Headteacher will inform both Wokingham and Reading Local Authorities, who will share the information with their communication partners.

2. Communication of Closure

In the event of a closure, we will inform parents, carers and students through the following channels:

• School Website: An announcement notice will be posted on our website's homepage
• SIMS App Alerts: Notifications will be sent to all registered contacts.
• Email: Information on the closure will be emailed to all parents and carers in on our database.
• Local Radio Stations: Closure information will be passed to BBC Berkshire and Heart FM
• Social Media: Updates will be shared on the school's Facebook and X pages

We aim to make closure announcements as soon as possible. If the school needs to close during the school day, we will notify parents immediately with further instructions, so please ensure we always have the most up-to-date contact information for your family.

3. Remote Learning Provision

In the event of a closure, we are committed to ensuring continuity of education through remote learning. Work will be set on Google Classroom, Sparx, Bedrock and Seneca for Students to access from home for as long as the school is closed.

Click here to discover how to access our Homework Platforms

View our Remote Learning Guide

4. Reopening Procedures

Once it is safe to reopen, we will communicate the reopening date and any special instructions through the same channels used for closure notifications. We will also provide guidance on any necessary precautions or changes to regular routines.

5. Parental Responsibilities

We encourage parents to:

• Keep Contact Information Updated: Ensure the school has current phone numbers and email addresses.
• Monitor Communication Channels: Regularly check for updates during emergencies.
• Plan for Emergencies: Have arrangements in place for childcare in case of unexpected closures.

By following these procedures, we aim to manage emergency closures effectively, prioritising safety while maintaining educational continuity.