SCHOOL CLOSURE
SCHOOL CLOSURES – WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY COULD THEY HAPPEN
Where the safety of school communities could be at risk, Head Teachers may be required to make a decision which would involve a school closure. A school closure is an unplanned closure where the school community may require a later start, an earlier finish or a full day closure. It could also include a partial closure which would only affect certain students e.g. school transport students or certain year groups.
At Elgin High School our ‘school community’ (students, teaching staff, support staff and all external agencies who provide support at Elgin High School) consists of people from across Moray, Highland and Aberdeenshire, not just the immediate area around the school building.
Reasons which may put our school community at risk include incidents which mean we are unable to operate safely. This could be due to the facilities being unsuitable or staffing levels not meeting the legal requirements. Some examples would be adverse weather (where there are Met Office warnings in place), a facilities breakdown (loss of heating, water etc), low staffing numbers (teaching or support staff) etc.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF THERE IS A SCHOOL CLOSURE AT ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL
· We will contact you as soon as a decision is made using the methods listed below
· Every care will be taken to try and ensure students will not be subject to dangerous conditions
· During a closure, students could be asked not to attend, to leave early, or to remain longer at school e.g. during adverse weather
· Students could also be asked to move to a nearby community building e.g. in the event a facilities breakdown
STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL CONTRACT TRANSPORT - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
· If the transport has not appeared by 15 minutes after the normal morning pick up time, students should return home (or to an address as agreed by you). You should then contact the school to update us
· If the transport is not operating and you decide to make arrangements to bring your child to school, then you must take responsibility for transporting them home
· If there is a day/journey that your child will not be using the transport you should notify the school office
· Students must have a contact address in Elgin which could be used as an emergency place to go
· In a situation where transport is leaving early and your child requires/wishes to stay in Elgin (not get the transport) then you need to contact the school to let us know. If your child is not using the transport they will stay in classes until all other students are dismissed
HOW WE WILL UPDATE YOU REGARDING A CLOSURE / ADVERSE WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS
We will share information as soon as we can via our:
· EHS facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ElginHSMoray/ for parents/carers
· Microsoft ‘School Information’ Team for students
· School messaging system (Groupcall) email to parents/carers
You can also find information here:
· Moray Council updates on School Closures are posted at Moray Council Service Status and information can be found at School Closure Procedures
· Moray Firth Radio and BBC Radio Scotland deliver announcements for school closures
IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT US REGARDING A CLOSURE / ADVERSE WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS
WE WOULD ASK THAT WHERE POSSIBLE YOU AVOID TELEPHONING THE SCHOOL AS OUR PHONE LINES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR MAKING ESSENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS
Please use these methods where possible:
· Email admin.elginhigh@moray-edunet.gov.uk
· Text us by replying to a text message you have from us (we cannot provide a number as we use a messaging system)
· Parentsportal
· If your communication requires immediate action then of course please do ring us at school
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
You should ensure the contact details of everyone listed on your child’s school record are kept up-to-date and you should notify us throughout the year as soon as there are any changes. You should also complete and return our Annual Data Check which is issued at the start of each school year. You can update us by:
· Email - admin.elginhigh@moray-edunet.gov.uk
· Parentsportal - this system provides online access to a range of school-related services including notifying student absences, viewing the school calendar or student timetables, updating your contact details, accessing student reports etc. For more information / how to register for parentsportal please go to our school information website page: https://sites.google.com/view/elginhigh/information and scroll to the ‘Parents portal.scot’ section
· Letter or in-person - send a note or letter to school or drop into the school reception during normal school opening hours
INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS
If you have any questions regarding school closure arrangements for your child you should contact the school office on either 01343 545181 or via email: admin.elginhigh@moray-edunet.gov.uk.