Snow and Adverse weather policy

11. Snow & Adverse Weather/Conditions Policy

The safety of our children, staff & the families who use our settings, is of the utmost importance to us.

We will endeavour to remain open where possible during bad weather, or other adverse conditions that affect operational running, but this will heavily depend upon a number of circumstances.

• If adverse conditions are predicted we may make the decision to close the preschool the following day. In this situation, each child’s primary contact will be individually contacted, by email or telephone, to notify them of the closure.

• If the preschool remains open during adverse conditions, we will aim to operate as normal for as long as possible. However, we may make the decision to open later or close earlier, depending on: how many staff members are able to work/safely travel to and from work, the building both inside and outside being accessible and safe, and the temperature being suitable for the children when inside.

•  It should be noted that we cannot remain open unless the minimum correct adult: child ratios can be met.

• If the preschool opens and only a certain number of staff members are able to work on the day, unfortunately the children that we are able to accept on that day will be based on a first come, first serve basis.

• If the preschool is open as normal and we experience adverse conditions during the day, the Manager, and Chairperson will have the final judgement on whether the preschool remains open for the day, and for how long.

•  We will take into consideration any local school closures, along with the local area forecast, as well as following any relevant Local Authority and/or government instruction/guidelines. We will also monitor closely the services available by public transport.

• The safety of everyone accessing the preschool is important, and if we feel parents need to start collecting their children earlier than usual in order to get home safely, phone calls will be made to all parents to inform them of our decision.

• If we decide to close on the day, before preschool has opened, a message will be added to our Facebook page and Tapestry as early as possible to notify you.