Severe Weather Plan 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents and Families

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice and with that can comewidespreadand prolongeddisruption.

It is important our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. The Folkestone School for Girls makes every effort therefore to prepare for severe weather, to minimise any disruption it may bring and to keep the school open wherever possible. However, students and staff travel in from a very wide area and on occasion we may delay start times to allow for the added difficulty of travel. On rare occasions though it may be necessary to close the school altogether to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

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

Once the decision to delay start time or to close altogether has been made a notice will be posted on our school website. That decision will be taken on the day, as early as possible in the morning once we can assess the school site and its environs.  In addition, all staff and main parental contacts will be notified via text message/email. The Kent Closures website will also advise whether The Folkestone School for Girls is late opening or closed. Please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk  and search for the school in the search box.

To confirm, we won’t post any messages if its business as usual! Only if there are changes to the start time or if the close will remain closed.

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. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.

What can you do to help?

•              Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.

•              Please provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided.

•              Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies etc. or even a change of clothing.

•              If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up, please could you put a back‐up plan in place with another family member. This will allow staff and students to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping our school remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.

Mark Lester

Principal