Sandiway Primary School Newsletter
Newsletter 10 Wednesday 13th November 2019
www.sandiway.cheshire.sch.uk admin@sandiway.cheshire.sch.uk
Poor weather
Each year, I send this information out and
so far, we have never needed it. Hopefully
this year will be the same, but please take
a few minutes to read this to understand
the plan should we have to close the
school in the event of bad weather:
At this time of year, journeys to and
from school and work are a little more
difficult. Not only do we have to contend
with darker mornings and nights, there is
also the risk of poor weather. In the event
of frost, flood or snow, the school will
always make best efforts to make the
environment in and around school as safe
as possible. We will clear the main paths
of snow and we will apply salt to speed up
the process of melting the ice (gritting
routes are displayed in notice boards).
Even with these precautions, pathways
will be slippery and I ask that you take
extra care. Salt takes time to work and
requires footfall to be more effective. The
Parish Car Park will not be gritted by the
Council nor by the school, so additional
care is needed in this area when driving
and walking.
In the event of severe weather, as
Headteacher, I am required to decide as
to whether the school is open or closed.
Ultimately, this is a Trust decision based
on my recommendation. To make this
decision, I will always consider the health
and safety of all members of the school:
children, parents and staff. I will use all
information available to me, including
local information from staff who live near
school, the Local Authority, through
speaking to other Headteachers in the
area and advice from the Police.
Sometimes, school
closure is also
dependent upon the
number of staff who
can safely get to
school to undertake
their duties. I
understand that
school closure can be
disruptive in many
ways, therefore this
will be a last resort
decision if the risks of
staying open are
deemed to be too
great.
If the school is
closed from the beginning of the school
Autumn Term 2019
day, I will text all parents/carers and staff
as well as display a notice on the school
website. I will do this as soon as possible
in the morning. If the school is needed to
be closed during the day due to
worsening weather, again, I will text all
parents/carers to inform of the
arrangements that will be put in place. I
will also text parents/carers when the
school is due to be reopened. Local radio
stations are also good at alerting parents
of closures – I am able to contact some of
them, with security information, to inform
them of the decision of the Trust.
Coats and boots
I am surprised by the number of children
who come to school without a coat. We
try to get outside in all weathers, but it
isn’t fair on those children who only have
their school jumper. I have also spoken to
the children about wearing alternative
boots/shoes to/from school if they wish
to. This means they can change into dry
shoes for the rest of the day. Any hats,
gloves, ear muffs, hot water bottles are
also a good idea (maybe not the last
one!).
Remembrance Day
On Monday, we took a few moments out
of our school work to reflect on the
importance of Remembrance. We were
honoured to have Cheshire’s standard-
bearer, Mr Smith, with us for our two
minutes silence. I was very proud of the
children’s response. Thank you if you
were able to join us.
Children in Need
Don’t forget – we are having a non-
uniform day on Friday
to support Children in
Need.
Gin, Quiz and Auction
Please see the letter emailed out on
Monday 11th November for the latest
information about this exciting event.
Online Safety
Some really useful questions to start a
conversation with your child. Please see
attached.
And finally…
Don’t forget that Yvette Fielding (Blue
Peter, Most Hunted and now an author of
children's books) will be visiting on
Wednesday 20th November. You are
welcome to come to our whole school
assembly from 9.00am where the children
will meet Yvette, before she heads off to
Year 5 and Year 6 for a writing workshop.
Her book will be available to purchase
(thank you for your advance orders).
Chris Priddey
Events and Dates
15 Nov Children in Need (non-uniform)
15 Nov Gin, quiz and auction evening
18 Nov Flu vaccinations for children
20 Nov Conway Residential Meeting for
parents (6.30pm)
20 Nov Yvette Fielding visiting school
27 Nov PTA Film Night (until 5.30pm)
28 Nov Parent lunch for Y2
28 Nov Y5 visit to Space Port
6 Dec Y1 visit to Delamere Forest
6 Dec Parent lunch for Reception
7 Dec PTA Christmas Fair (1-4pm)
11 Dec PTA Film Night (until 5.30pm)
13 Dec Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Lunch
Theatre group in school
18 Dec Rec/KS1 Christmas performances
(9.30am and 6.00pm)
19 Dec Christmas Carol Service in St
John’s Church (6.30pm)
20 Dec Break Up for the holiday
6 Jan Teachers return to school
7 Jan Children return to school