Emergency School Closure

An emergency school closure is an extremely rare event. Thanks goodness. It interrupts learning. It is usually a consequence of weather related issues; heavy snowfalls or loss of essential services such as power, heating or water. The paramount concern in such situations is the safety of staff, students and visitors.

In these situations the school works closely with other services within Midlothian. Once a decision is made to close the school we employ all communication channels available to us to inform stakeholders. This means Lasswade High School communication channels; principally our GroupCall facility but also our Twitter feeds and school website. In addition, Midlothian’s communication channels are also employed; Twitter, Facebook, public information screens and website. Updates are often provided via local radio as appropriate.

In emergency closure circumstances we link closely with our school transport providers to make sure those students who rely on this service are updated and parents/carers made aware of necessary arrangements.

As a result of the above it is vital that parents/carers provide up to date contact details as requested and if changes occur in the interim period.

In some circumstances school closures can be forecast in advance. Particularly weather related closures. In these circumstances the communication methods outlined above are employed. Parents’/carers are asked to be vigilant to possible closures, particularly in times of severe and unusual weather in winter months.

Any parent/carer who wishes to see our Emergency School Closure Procedures is asked to contact the School Office in the first instance.