Extreme Weather

Message from the Headteacher

Keeping the school open during extreme weather has to be balanced against Health and Safety issues. For example, extreme weather and icy road condition pose a real and significant threat to the safety of students and staff.

A protocol is established whereby a small core of school leaders meet on site at 6.15am during extreme weather to undertake a risk assessment which informs a decision regarding the day ahead.
There are three possible outcomes:-

• A Normal opening
• B Delayed opening at 10.45am
• C School closure

Every effort is made to arrive at option A but if in the opinion of the team there is a high risk, option B is triggered and in exceptional circumstances, as a final resort, the school will be closed.

Once a decision is made, the communication pyramid is triggered which includes all staff, local media, the LJS website, the Redcar & Cleveland newsline and all bus companies.
Information regarding LJS will appear on the school website by 7am and on BBC Radio Tees as other outlets have proved to be unreliable.

The Council have to prioritise main roads and hospitals but have promised to help clear access roads and car parks as and when they can. We can potentially hire in a snow plough and gritter from a private company as the demand rises.

If a delayed start is posted, Tees Valley Coaches will operate but will pick up two hours later than usual. However, students from East Cleveland will have to catch a normal service bus.

Tony Gavin