Severe Weather Arrangements

Arrangements for school closure

We will be using local radio stations to broadcast our Severe Weather information.  The radio stations we will be using are BBC Radio Kent, Invicta and Capital Radio.   The information lines will have a regular updated announcement informing you if the School is closed.  Our main switchboard number is 01732 460 553.  Our Severe Weather number is 01732 468 999 both these telephone numbers will have recorded information. Where possible we will use a text information service to update you. 

All Staff are to make every effort to attend School if it is safe to do so.  Please make a note of the Severe Weather number. 

For students who come to school by taxi, where possible, the companies will be informed directly in the event of closure and consequently will not turn up to collect your son or daughter.  Please bear in mind that our School is situated on the highest geographical point in Sevenoaks and accessibility may be an issue when surrounding areas are clear.  Please be vigilant regarding weather forecasts for your area.  If in doubt, Parents, Carers and Taxi company representatives should telephone one of the above numbers for information.  The information line should also guide students who come to school by other means.  The message will be short, so if the lines are engaged please be patient and try again.  The decision to close our School will be taken on the basis of current conditions at the School, the weather forecast and staffing.  If there is any doubt in your mind, please use your discretion to keep your son/daughter/ward at home.

Arrangements for students being sent home early

Please will all parents make arrangements for the possibility of an early return.  This will mean ensuring that your child can have access to home or someone to look after them   You will have already completed the severe weather arrangement slip and returned it to school.

Residential Students

Special arrangements can be made to look after residential students over night in the event of a closure.  We have emergency supplies.  If, however, for staffing or other reasons this is not sustainable, arrangements will be made for students to be sent home.  We will contact parents individually.

Post 16 Students

The college advertise closure on local Kent radio stations – Mercury, Invicta and BBC Kent.  Students could also phone the college they attend to establish the situation.  If the college is open, we will endeavour to provide support staff.  The telephone number for West Kent College is 01732 358101.  The telephone number for Hadlow is 01732 850551

Homework Packs

Homework packs will be sent by post for completion at home if severe weather prevents your son/daughter/ward attending School.

Hopefully, we will be able to keep school going as normal throughout the winter period, but it is comforting to know that if not we will be able to cope smoothly and with minimum stress.