21 Nov 2005 - Winter Closure
As the winter approaches and the prospect of severe weather becomes an increasing possibility, I thought it would be best to set out what the school will do, and what you can do, to ensure that everyone stays safe and attends school as much as possible.
There are four main reasons why I have to shut the school: -
1. I do not have enough staff to ensure the safety of children.
2. I have no heating.
3. I have no toilet facilities.
4. I am unable to provide a midday meal.
The policy of this school will be that we will open on every day that we can fulfil these criteria.
If we do have to close the school for whatever reason, the information will be immediately posted on our school website (www.pilgrim.medway.sch.uk) and we will notify Invicta Radio and Radio Kent.
In practice, what will happen is that children are safest inside the school. The dangerous times are getting to and from school on the roads and paths in Borstal. Already, the icy conditions have led to accidents and near accidents which, thankfully, have not resulted in any injuries. However, Warwick Crescent is a steep hill and, when it is icy, can be extremely dangerous. We have had a large number of children who cross the road at the bottom and cars sliding down Warwick Crescent could endanger pedestrians coming to school.
If it is icy, you could park your car on the main road and walk your children down either Warwick Crescent or use the pathway by the motorway which takes you well away from any cars that may be trying to get up or down Warwick Crescent. Should Warwick Crescent become impassable, staff will, themselves, park on the main road and walk down.
Another frequent scenario is that the roads are treacherous early in the morning and often become much better as the day progresses. Therefore, you must always assume that the school is open unless you hear from one of the official sources that it isn?t.
Should the school need to close at any time over the winter our over-riding principal will be the safety of your children. Thus, if you find yourself stuck anywhere and are unable to get to the school, simply let us know and we will ensure your child is safely cared for.
There are four main reasons why I have to shut the school: -
1. I do not have enough staff to ensure the safety of children.
2. I have no heating.
3. I have no toilet facilities.
4. I am unable to provide a midday meal.
The policy of this school will be that we will open on every day that we can fulfil these criteria.
If we do have to close the school for whatever reason, the information will be immediately posted on our school website (www.pilgrim.medway.sch.uk) and we will notify Invicta Radio and Radio Kent.
In practice, what will happen is that children are safest inside the school. The dangerous times are getting to and from school on the roads and paths in Borstal. Already, the icy conditions have led to accidents and near accidents which, thankfully, have not resulted in any injuries. However, Warwick Crescent is a steep hill and, when it is icy, can be extremely dangerous. We have had a large number of children who cross the road at the bottom and cars sliding down Warwick Crescent could endanger pedestrians coming to school.
If it is icy, you could park your car on the main road and walk your children down either Warwick Crescent or use the pathway by the motorway which takes you well away from any cars that may be trying to get up or down Warwick Crescent. Should Warwick Crescent become impassable, staff will, themselves, park on the main road and walk down.
Another frequent scenario is that the roads are treacherous early in the morning and often become much better as the day progresses. Therefore, you must always assume that the school is open unless you hear from one of the official sources that it isn?t.
Should the school need to close at any time over the winter our over-riding principal will be the safety of your children. Thus, if you find yourself stuck anywhere and are unable to get to the school, simply let us know and we will ensure your child is safely cared for.