"Schools should, wherever possible, stay open in severe weather. They play a key role in their communities and by staying open help both their pupils and parents." – Department for Education

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service. As a fundamental principle every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend. However schools may close due to ‘unavoidable’ circumstances. Those circumstances being that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be on site.

We recognise it is important our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. St. Thomas’ will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by e.g. gritting pathways, clearing access points etc.

How will we let you me know if the school is closed?

If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, I may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the Kent Closures website. To determine whether the school is open or closed please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk. Search for the school in the search box. The Kent Closures website can also be used to find out if other services in Kent are open or closed, such as nurseries, children’s centres and libraries. We also recommend parents sign up for SMS/Email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if St. Thomas’ is closed. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.