ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS - Arrangements for dealing with adverse weather conditions

The decision as to whether a pupil should attempt to travel to school in adverse weather conditions, whether by transport or on foot, lies with parents or carers. While recognising that education should be interrupted as little as possible, the Education Authority accepts that in severe weather conditions the safety of the pupils is paramount.  Where there is any doubt, the pupil should remain at home.

Waiting for Transport
For pupils using school transport, weather conditions and availability of shelter at the ‘pick-up’ point will dictate just how long a child should wait.  During adverse weather conditions, no pupil is expected to wait longer than twenty minutes past the normal ‘pick-up’ time.
 
Parents should note the different circumstances affecting drivers of contract and public service vehicles.  Drivers of contract vehicles are advised that they should not drop off children where there is any doubt that they will safely reach home or other acceptable place of shelter.  Drivers of public service vehicles, however, must travel by specified routes in accordance with scheduled timetables and cannot make special provision for the individual needs of passengers.

Raasay Ferry
In the event of the Raasay ferry being unable to operate at the normal time, it is important that parents DO NOT send their child on a later ferry without confirming there will be transport available to meet the ferry at Sconser e.g. by checking the scheduled bus timetable or making a private arrangement with a friend/neighbour.  Where there is any doubt, the pupil should not travel on the ferry.

Emergency Accommodation
It is extremely important that parents of pupils who travel to school by bus, taxi or ferry provide the school with an alternative emergency address. This address would be only used on the very rare occasions when it may not be possible for pupils to be sent home - eg a bus route closed or ferry unable to sail. 

Early Closures
In the event of an early closure all pupils will be kept informed of the arrangements.

a. Hostel Pupils
These pupils will report to the hostel warden.

b. Portree Pupils
These pupils will be sent home if within walking distance.  If not within walking distance then the pupil’s parent/carer will be requested to uplift them from School.  Each pupil will be given the opportunity to notify parents/carers by telephone of the expected time of school closure.

c. Bus Pupils
Service and contract buses can usually be arranged before 3.30pm.  These buses will depart to their various destinations as soon as they are available.  Each pupil will be given the opportunity to notify parents/carers by telephone of the expected time of departure of their bus.

In the event of a service bus not being available until 3.30pm - the pupils concerned will remain in the school in a supervised room.

Some pupils live a considerable distance from their ‘drop off’ points and their parents may wish to have them met at these points.

Some parents and pupils are often particularly concerned that important planned subject assessments may be missed, but this factor should not over-ride good judgement.  Arrangements can be made regarding missed assessments.

COMMUNICATION

Radio Scotland
When the school is not going to open, this information will be broadcast if possible on Radio Scotland at approximately 6.55am and 7.50am.  Any pupils who arrive at school will be kept in school until suitable arrangements can be made to have them sent or taken home.

Local Radio
While it is recognised that local radio transmissions may not cover all households, and may be subject to re-scheduling in some circumstances, they will be helpful to many families.  Parents are therefore advised to remain ‘tuned in’ to ongoing road, weather or school information updates.

Radio stations request that, since telephone lines are always busier at such times, parents should not telephone in for advice, but listen to appropriate broadcasts.

BBC Radio Highland (Radio Scotland, 92-95FM)  
6.55am – 7.00am      7.50am – 8.00am
12.55pm – 1.00pm      4.55pm – 5.00pm

In extreme conditions Radio Highland will interrupt Radio Scotland transmissions, usually on the hour, to carry emergency bulletins.

Radio nan Gaidheal

Cuillin fm

Website
Information will also be available on the website: www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk

Telephone Information service
This is available by dialling 0870 054 6999, then entering the school’s PIN – 041200 – when prompted.  You will hear a recorded message confirming whether the school is closed or open and noting any transport changes.  A copy of this telephone number is also printed on the back cover of all school diaries.

In the event of the school closing early due to adverse weather conditions, it is really important that we hold up to date records of proposed arrangements for individual pupils.   Please notify the school office school office of any changes to arrangements as soon as possible.

Please contact the school if you require clarification regarding any of the information given. 

01478 614810

Every effort will be made to keep parents informed of details of school closures, early closures, etc brought about by adverse weather conditions.