In exceptional circumstances, for example as a result of heavy snowfall, power outage or water failure, it may be necessary to send children home early.
Where road conditions are the main factor involved, the decision to close the school early will usually be made at the request of the transport contractors who have an obligation to ensure that the children are returned to their pick-up points safely.
The school will contact parents to warn of this outcome. Where parents cannot be reached, the school will contact the emergency contact to arrange collection either at the normal dropping off point, or at the school. In the event of no contact being made with parents or emergency contact, the child will be kept in school until he /she is collected. Parents are strongly advised to ensure that the names of emergency contacts are kept up to date and that the school be notified immediately should this change.
Please note that while the school contractors will make a risk assessment on the advisability of taking children to school in the morning, the decision as to whether a pupil should attempt to travel to school in adverse weather conditions, either by transport or by foot, lies with the parent. While recognising that education should be interrupted as little as possible, the Education Authority accepts that in severe weather, safety of the pupils is paramount.
Detailed instructions, including telephone numbers are issued twice a year but to hear current messages phone –
Emergency School Phone Service number: 0800 56 42 272
Followed by Cawdor Primary’s pin number: 04 1700
Further information regarding Highland Council Closure guidelines can be found at:
CLICK HERE – Highland Council School Closure
Moray Firth Radio – http://www.mfr.co.uk
Normally hourly news bulletins and half-hourly summaries will carry local information on weather, roads and conditions affecting schools. Morning updates will usually be given at 7.10, 7.40, 8.10 & 8.40am. In severe conditions normal programmes will be interrupted more frequently to carry emergency bulletins.
Cawdor Primary School 