Arrangements for Emergency Snow/School Closure

At Forest Oak School and Merstone School it is of paramount importance that school remains open where possible but accepts that it may be necessary to close due to circumstances beyond our control.

Reasons may include (but this list is not exhaustive):

· Severe weather including snow, flooding or storms

· Accommodation problems, for example loss of power supply, heating failure or fire damage

· Disruption to staffing levels due to strikes or a severe sickness outbreak

Factors involved in deciding to enforce a school closure will be based on:

· Access to school – road conditions (obstacles such as snow, ice, flood waters, availability of transport)

· Breakdown of essential school services – loss of heating, power, water or severe damage to the school building caused by a storm or other event)

· At times when weather conditions are so severe the Principal may consider that the Health and Safety of the pupils and staff are best served by closing the school.

· An advanced severe weather warning to close the school for the following day.

The decision to close school will be made by the Executive Head in conjunction with the Chair of Governors and the Local Authority will be informed.

Procedure for informing parents/carers

· The school website www.forest-oak.solihull.sch.uk or www.merstone.solihull.sch.uk will have the closure information on the Home Page and this will be updated throughout the enforced closure.

· An announcement will also be made on local radio stations.

· A message will be sent on Class DoJo

Should it be necessary to close school early, school will ensure that as many parents/carers as possible are telephoned/receive a text message and/or email. Transport will be contacted and whenever possible, will transport pupils, normally on transport, home. However, on occasions, parents/carers will need to make arrangements to collect pupils from school.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that mobile telephone numbers and email addresses are kept up-to-date with the school office.

Staff will be available to supervise pupils who cannot go home early. The safety of pupil’s will be considered at all times. Any further notices will be updated via the school website and via text message/email/Class Dojo.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

 

In September 2023 Donna Luck, Executive Head Teacher of Forest Oak School was thrilled to announce the expansion of its educational offerings with the inauguration of the Oakwood Centre, a dedicated facility designed to cater to Key Stage Four pupils. This exciting addition marks a significant step in working with Solihull Local Authority Forest Oak School’s commitment to providing a stepping stone towards independence, fostering resilience, growth and success for its pupils.

 

Forest Oak School is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for its pupils, helping them achieve their full potential. With the establishment of the Oakwood Centre, this commitment is being furthered to serve the unique needs of the older pupils aged 14 to 16.

 

The Oakwood Centre is specifically designed to help students develop essential life skills and prepare them for a successful transition into college life. It offers a nurturing environment that encourages self-reliance and independence

Resilience is a crucial trait that prepares pupils for life’s challenges. The Oakwood Centre places a strong emphasis on building resilience through a supportive and caring community of staff and peers.

The Oakwood Centre provides a tailored curriculum that promotes personal growth and individual academic achievement. It offers a wide range of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities to inspire students to reach their full potential.

Head Teacher, Donna Luck expressed her pride and enthusiasm about the expansion saying, “The Oakwood Centre is an exciting step in our ongoing journey to provide the best possible education for our pupils. We are thrilled to be able to offer this dedicated provision for Key Stage Four pupils and look forward to seeing them flourish within our extended Forest Oak family.”

The Oakwood Centre embodies Forest Oak School’s values of inclusivity, support and a dedication to the well-being and future success of its pupils. It stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive, high quality education.