In the case of adverse weather conditions, the school will make a decision as to whether school will open, close or have a delayed opening to allow time for the premises team to assess, clear and grit the school site and ensure it is safe to open.
We will use a range of methods to communicate with you during adverse weather. Please avoid ringing school if you can.
If you have supplied a mobile contact number to school, we will send a text message via Parentmail to you if the school will be closed. We will also update the school website to inform you about the arrangements should there be adverse weather.
Where there are worsening weather conditions during the school day, we will take advice from the local weatherline and the appropriate bus companies. Students will be allowed to leave early where there is a need to catch buses. If the weather is so severe that we have to close the school during the day, we will again text Parents/Carers if we have a contact number and also put an alert on the homepage of the school website and tweet the alert.
Please see below our methods of contact:
We will use ParentMail to send out information on closures.
We will use Twitter to send out information on closures. To view notifications follow us @RastrickHigh
To view school closures please click here.
If you are unable to access the internet, BBC Radio Leeds will announce school closures. To listen please click here.
Transport Contact Numbers
- During office hours, Calderdale’s Access Team staff involved with transport and special needs students will be able to advise Parents/Carers of the current position: contact Michelle Norledge on 01422 392531.
- For special needs children using transport provided by Metro, the number to ring is 0113 251 7328.
- For advice on the running of general and school bus services for students using transport call: Metro on 0113 348 1122 or First Calderline on 0845 0260099
- Morning buses from Huddersfield – B10, B11 & C35 Control telephone 01484 233823
- Afternoon buses from Huddersfield – B10, B11 & C35 Control telephone 01422 422186
How does school reach a decision about closure?
If snow is forecast, a member of the Senior Leadership Team arrives on site at about 6.00 am. They listen to the local radio and look at the conditions on site – how much snow has already fallen and is it still snowing. They then contact some other members of staff and establish what the conditions are like in other areas. This is to estimate whether members of staff are likely to be able to get into work at normal time, late or not at all. At this time bus companies are not available to say whether buses are running or not.
The decision to open or close is then made by the Headteacher taking into account:
- The current conditions of the approach roads and car parks/paths
- Whether it is likely that enough staff will be able to reach school to provide adequate supervision
- The likelihood of conditions becoming worse during the day, causing problems for students and staff getting home
Any decision is made as early as possible taking into account all the factors above. Each day is treated separately and the decision is made primarily on the basis of the safety of students and staff.