Emergency procedures for school closure
The academy will strive to remain open in all but the most challenging of circumstances, because we recognise the disruption that our closure causes to our community. In very rare circumstances the academy may be forced to close due to very severe weather (usually heavy snow), the loss of heating and hot water or other serious incidents. Please be assured that a decision to close is always driven by a concern for the safety of our students and staff.
The academy has an emergency response team that will automatically clear our external walkways, car parks and roadways in the event of snow, so that we can safely remain open in all but the most challenging of circumstances.
In the event of heavy snow, or other serious incidents beyond our control, that results in the academy closing, the following will happen:
- In the event of heavy overnight snow, the principal will determine if the academy is safe to open before 7.30am. By 8.00am announcements will have been placed on our website and on the Suffolk County Council website, as well as announcements on all local radio stations (noted below). Text alerts will be issued to all staff, parents and carers. Please do not phone reception to confirm; it is unlikely that we will be able to take or return your call. If you are in any doubt, please review any of the sources above that will be constantly updated.
- If bad weather during the day means that the academy has to close early, students will be notified and parents will be contacted. The academy will remain open for those students who initially might be unable to go home; these students will continue to be appropriately supervised. Early closures are extremely rare but we occasionally cancel after-school activities to enable our staff and students to travel home safely.
Keep up-to-date by checking the academy website, the Suffolk School Closures website, and/or by listening to the following local radio stations: