School Closure
Regrettably, there are occasionally factors that force an emergency closure of school on what would otherwise be a normal school day.
The decision to close a school is never ideal, nor taken lightly – at this end we feel damned either way – but please rest assured that this will only happen as a very last resort. We hold the principle that we will always remain open if we possibly can.
All school closures in Staffordshire are reported on the Staffordshire County Council website and can be viewed here.
Snow Closure
Amidst an increased likelihood of adverse weather conditions, the sight of snow is never welcome at our school during term-time. Before the first snowflake hits the ground, our switchboard will light up with a query as to whether we are closing.
In the event of heavy snowfall over the weekend, in the evening, or overnight, we will check the site early in the morning to determine whether we can feasibly open.
Other factors will be taken on board including the weather forecast, transport information from Staffordshire County Council and bus companies, and staff availability in the wider region.
We will endeavour to inform parents by no later than 7.30am but we will always try and make the call as early as we can. It is not always possible to make an immediate call as we wrestle with how easily we can clear a very large site and we start getting calls in from stranded staff.
The decision will be communicated in a number of ways – text messages, the school website, Facebook and Twitter. We will also flag up the decision on the Staffordshire County Council website.
Alternatively, if worsening conditions during the school day culminate in a decision to close, then we will follow the same notification arrangements.
We will notify and release the students in calm and staggered way, endeavouring to maintain a canteen service (bearing in mind that some children will not otherwise get to eat), and will remain open for stranded students until they can safely get home.
Hot Weather Response
In response to heatwaves during Summer 2026, the Department for Education issued guidance that 'Schools should remain open... where safe to do so,' given that 'schools are a safe place for children during hot weather, as staff can actively monitor pupils [and] children may also not be any cooler at home than in school.'
The school can make adjustments such as uniform relaxation, moving classes to cooler rooms (where available), adapting PE lessons, encouraging students to remain in shaded areas at break and lunch (including our large new, covered seating area), opening windows and doors (where appropriate) to improve airflow and reduce heat build-up. Staff will remain vigilant for signs of heat-related difficulties and can respond appropriately if any concerns arise (First Aid support is always available).
Students can refill water bottles from the fountains in the canteen, and from extra water jugs which the canteen staff put out at break times during hot weather.
Students have a role to play too, by behaving sensibly and calmly throughout the day (to avoid unnecessary exertion); bringing a water bottle to school, refilling it at appropriate times, and drinking water regularly, as well as bringing a hat and applying sun cream before school if they are likely to spend time outdoors. Students may also bring in a hand-held fan (provided it's quiet, if electric).
However, if conditions ultimately force a decision to close, then we would follow the same notification arrangements as outlined above.
Planned Closures
In recent years the education sector has been affected by industrial action and royal coronation holidays causing closures (or partial closures) of schools.
Fortunately, these planned closures mean that we can notify families in advance of any such arrangements - and we will always seek to do this in good time so plans at home can be made with a minimum of fuss.
Emergency Closures
If we have to stage a non-weather-related emergency closure, we will follow the same procedures as with our snow closures.
We will disclose full reasons for the decision to all parents after the event.
Further Information
If you require any further information about school closures, please contact Richard Barnett-Richards, Deputy Headteacher, via office@friaryschool.co.uk.