Dear Parents,

Extreme Weather Procedure

We believe that it is not reasonable for parents to battle for one or two hours on icy or flooded roads in order to get to school as the safety of our families is of paramount importance. Therefore the following guidelines should be observed:-

* Should the weather be extreme, you will receive a Clarion Call message informing you as to whether the school is open. This will be issued at approximately 8.00am, the school website will be updated accordingly

* Buses will run at the discretion of the Headmistress

* If your child travels on a school morning bus, it will be necessary to check your mobile daily during the bad weather for a Clarion Call message from Mrs Cartwright, as some buses may run, whereas others may not

* We would only close the school in extreme conditions as we are aware that many parents work and to shut would be highly inconvenient

* Should your personal working arrangements require your child to attend school even though the road conditions are poor in your area, please be aware that no child should arrive after 10.00am

* We believe it is better for children to remain at home if possible rather than battling through poor road conditions.

* Be aware that if many children are absent, a normal working day cannot be followed as staff may also be absent and classes will be combined

* No clubs will be held after school and no late buses will run

We obviously hope these procedures will not be used, but it is good to be prepared!

Yours sincerely,

Miss P S Kirk
Headmistress

HUMAN FLU PANDEMIC CONTINGENCY PLAN

Preface

Prince’s Mead has consulted DCSF and other Government guidance which has been produced to help schools plan for a human flu pandemic. The first priority in any pandemic is the welfare of the children.

Central Government has overall responsibility for contingency planning and national policy decisions (and communicating those to relevant bodies) and overall co-ordination of activities during a pandemic. Local authorities will communicate information from Central Government to all schools.

Prince’s Mead will seek to continue operating as normally as possible during a pandemic but will plan for a higher than usual level of staff absence and the consequences of this, as well as possible disruption resulting from the pandemic’s impact on other services.

However, children are highly efficient spreaders of respiratory infections both amongst themselves and to adults in their families. There is some evidence that such infections spread less among children during holiday periods than in term-time. So, closing the school for a period might significantly reduce the number of children infected.

Planning

Prince’s Mead has prepared for a flu pandemic as part of the general emergency planning procedure. The School has planned for remaining open during a pandemic, and for possible closure.

Contact details for parents and staff and methods of communication have been regularly updated and checked.

Operation of the school in the event of staff absences, both teaching and ancillary, will be managed by the Head as the situation develops. This responsibility will be delegated down through the Senior Leadership Team if required due to senior staff absences.

A list of parent volunteers, who have been CRB checked, is available to supervise pupils if necessary.

This pandemic contingency plan will be regularly reviewed in light of further advice from the Government or Local Authority.

Procedures

1. The Head, or Chair of Governors in her absence, will make the final decision on whether to close the school during a pandemic having been advised by the Local Authority. If there is advice to close the School, the Local Authority will tell the school when this advice will be reviewed.

2. When the school is advised to re-open the Local Authority will confirm if any specific conditions should be put in place.

3. Parents and staff will be kept informed of all developments and information as provided by the Local Authority and external partners. All available methods of communication will be utilised, including post, Clarion Call, website, text, telephone and e–mail.

4. Staff will be encouraged to come into school unless ill or caring for sick dependants.

5. Teaching, cleaning and support staff will be instructed on additional precautions to take to reduce the spread of infection. This will include washing hands regularly and minimising contact between hands and mouth/nose.

6. To reduce the risk of infection spreading, hygiene and cleaning standards will be enhanced within the school i.e. provision of tissues in classrooms, extra tissue disposal facilities, supply of wipes to clean surfaces/door handles/computer keyboards, ensure a plentiful supply of hot water, soap and anti bacterial gel.

7. Encourage staff and children to wash hands regularly and minimise contact between hands and mouth/nose.

8. The sharing of musical instruments, pencils, crayons etc will be discouraged.

9. Bringing children together in a large group in a confined space will be discouraged i.e. assemblies will be suspended.

10. Any child who shows symptoms of infection will be quarantined in Matron’s room until collected by parents.

11. Staff and pupils will be encouraged to remain at home if they show signs of infection (sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pains and feeling unwell, with or without sore throat, cough or difficulty in breathing).

12. If the school is closed then every effort will be made to provide education remotely for the children at home. The school will remain open to staff who will set and mark work. Getting the work to and from the children will be by Clarion Call, website, text, e-mail, fax etc

13. Non essential visitors will be discouraged.

Penelope S Kirk
Headmistress