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Emergency Closure and Lockdown Procedures

Our Commitment to Safety

The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and visitors are always our highest priority.
In the rare event of an emergency—such as severe weather, loss of utilities, or a local security concern—the school has robust procedures in place to keep everyone safe and to communicate promptly with parents and carers.

School Closure Policy

We are committed to keeping the school open whenever possible.
This protocol aims to preserve learning while ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

Keeping the School Open

We are well prepared to manage adverse weather conditions.

  • The site team have large supplies of grit and access to tractors to help clear paths and car parks.

  • Work begins from 5:30am on days affected by snow or ice to clear the main entrances and essential routes around the school.

  • Please note that this work may take some time to complete.

Decision-Making Process

  • The school site will be inspected by the site team from 5:30am.

  • A decision will be taken by the Headteacher (or, in her absence, the Deputy Headteacher) before 7:25am on whether the school will close.

  • Notice of any closure will be issued by 7:30am through the following channels:

How We Will Communicate

  • A notification on the school website

  • A text message to all staff using the school text system

  • An email to staff and parents via EduLinkOne

  • Updates on The Official Joseph Whitaker Facebook account

  • There will also be an up to date message on the telephone system

If no notification is given by 7:30am, the school will remain open, unless conditions deteriorate significantly.

External Examinations

If external examinations are scheduled, we will make every effort to ensure they take place.
Students, staff, and parents should check the school website, text messages, and email for specific arrangements.
Staff who are able to travel safely to the school site should do so to help ensure the smooth and safe running of the school.

A designated member of the Senior Leadership Team (Mrs Ayres, Mrs Souter, or Mr Croft) will, where possible, inform:

  • Bus companies, and

  • External organisations or individuals scheduled to be on site that day.

We will continue to update messages on the school website throughout the day.

Reopening the School

When the Headteacher decides that the school will reopen, notice will be given as early as possible—by 7:15am—through:

  • A notification on the school website

  • A text message to all staff

  • An email to all staff and parents via Edulink

Where possible, a member of staff will be available to answer phone calls, though this may not always be possible in the early morning.

Developing Bad Weather During the Day

If bad weather develops while students are already in school, our policy is to keep students on site until the normal dismissal time (3:05pm).

However, if conditions deteriorate significantly during the morning, the Headteacher (or in their absence, the Deputy Headteacher) may authorise certain groups of students to go home earlier.


In this situation, parents and students will be informed via:

  • Internal SIMS messages

  • Edulink notifications

  • The school website

  • Telephone calls, where necessary

Arrangements will be made for any students who need to remain on site until the end of the normal school day, or for a reasonable time afterwards.
Parents are asked not to call the school to request early release.

Lockdown Procedure

In rare circumstances, the school may need to initiate a lockdown to protect students and staff from a potential security threat in or near the school.

During a lockdown:

  • Students and staff remain indoors.

  • Doors and windows are secured.

  • Movement around the site is minimised.

  • The school will liaise closely with emergency services until the situation is resolved.

What Parents and Carers Should Do

To help us keep everyone safe, please:

  • Do not come to the school site unless instructed to do so.

  • Avoid calling the school, as this can block essential communication.

  • Check the school website, texts, and emails for official updates.

  • Wait for confirmation before collecting your child.

Parents will be notified as soon as it is safe to do so.

After an Emergency

Once the situation is resolved, the school will:

  • Communicate when and how students can be collected, or when school will reopen.

  • Provide appropriate support and guidance to students and staff.

  • Share any further information via our normal communication channels.

Keeping Your Details Up to Date

To ensure you receive urgent messages without delay, please make sure we hold:

  • Your current mobile number and email address

  • Up-to-date emergency contact details for an alternative adult

Please contact the school office to update your details at any time.