Payhembury
C of E Primary School(VC)
Payhembury
Honiton
EX14 3HT

Letters home

5th January 2010

Dear Parents,
Happy New Year!   I hope you all had a good holiday and it was great to see all the children today eager to get back into learning.

I would like to provide a few details to you all with regards to potential bad weather.  Unfortunately last year we had to close for two days due to severe weather.   This year hopefully we will be more prepared.  
Unfortunately no members of staff live within a short distance of the school and we have often experienced difficulties negotiating the roads.   In the case that we can’t make it to school; or if we experience difficulties with the electricity or heating.  We may need to close the school.  This decision will only be taken in exceptional circumstances.

I will make the decision alongside the Chair of Governors, Rev.  Cate and then we will try to communicate it as soon as possible.  If we close the school we will ring Radio Devon and Heart Radio to make an announcement to confirm the closure.   We will also get an emergency notice put on the website too.  We will ring parents who live the furthest away from the school initially, and then we will try to ring others who will pass the message on.  If you are happy to ring other parents please let me know so I can keep a register.  If we haven’t been able to get a call through to you in time for school, Jim Kimber will be onsite if the teachers aren’t able to make it, to inform you of the closure.

We will keep the radio stations and website updated if the closure continues to the following day.
I hope this will not be necessary this year but i just wanted to be prepared in case! 
Please can I encourage you to send your child prepared with suitable clothing with hats and gloves.  Please send them in a warm coat too that can be securely fastened.  Perhaps an extra t-shirt under the shirt or extra jumper would be useful.  Unfortunately the old building is very difficult to keep warm and I want to ensure the children are comfortable.  We are trying to deal with the ice but suitable shoes are also very important.   Please take care around the school grounds, sometimes we haven’t managed to grit all areas.
If you have any further questions please come and have a chat.
With regards, 

Penny Carvill – Head Teacher