Severe weather

Long Mead will make every effort to stay open in the event of extreme weather. However, there may be circumstances where we have to close to ensure the safety of staff and children. If the school does have to close then a text message will be sent home. A message will also be placed on the KCC School Closures web site www.kentclosures.co.uk. Parents can register for text and email alerts on the Kent Closures website, which means that as soon as the status of the school is changed on the website, registered parents will receive a text or an email.

Hot Weather Arrangements

In the event of extreme hot weather the school will make adjustments to help keep everyone safe.

Children can wear light summer clothing, suitable for school (no crop tops).
PE lessons will be adapted or cancelled so that children do not do strenuous exercise or overheat. If they do take place, they will include regular water breaks.
Morning play will likely take place as usual; children must wear sunhats. They will be reminded to drink water before and after play.
We will make decisions about lunchtime play on a day-by-day basis, but it is likely that children will be sitting in the shade under the trees on the field or will be inside.
Children will be encouraged to drink regularly and refill their water bottles.
Teachers will adapt lessons as needed.
Adults will look out for signs of heat exhaustion in all children and will phone home if there are any concerns.

Parents/carers must send children to school with a sunhat and water bottle, and apply suncream before school. If you wish to send a named bottle of suncream into school for your child to apply during the day, please ensure they are able to apply it themselves and remind them they must not share it with any other child.

Snow Arrangements

What if the school closes and children are at school already? If it is necessary to close the school during the day then a text will be sent home to inform parents to collect their children. If it is not safe to drive the minibus then parents of the children using the minibus may need to make arrangements for their children to be collected from school. If the weather is deteriorating then the school will make every effort to give parents sufficient notice to make those arrangements, and we would be grateful if parents could make plans in advance if bad weather is expected.

What should you bring to school? In severe weather it is advisable to send your child with additional clothes and wellingtons. Also, as we get our school dinners delivered from Nexus, if they close it is unlikely Long Mead will be able to provide a hot lunch, and a text message will be sent requesting you send your child with a packed lunch even if they are in receipt of Free School Meals.

Getting your child to school. I understand that for those of you who live some distance from the school it may be difficult for you to bring your child to school, but there is an expectation that pupils who live within the locality WILL attend if we are open. Please be aware that in accordance with our attendance policy, if it is felt that the absence was unnecessary this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

How can I access work? If the school is closed then on the first day work will be set by 9.30am and emailed home / put on the website. If the school needs to be closed for an extended period of time then work will be set via Teams.

How can I contact the school? If you need to contact the school then please use one of the following options:

School Office (if open) – 01732 350601

School Mobile – 07756 018 437

School email – office@long-mead.kent.sch.uk