Dear Parent/Carer,

 

You will probably be aware of the amber warning for southwest England issued today by the Met Office, which is forecasting extremely strong winds overnight and into Friday. 

 

Storm Eunice, as this weather front is known, will be coming in overnight.  Whilst winds will increase in velocity from 3am tomorrow, the strongest winds for Plymouth are forecast to occur between 9 am and 12 noon tomorrow, when gusts of up to 80 mph may be experienced locally.  Winds will drop from around the time that school finishes tomorrow, but speeds are likely to remain very high at 50-60mph until 9pm Friday night.

 

If you are dropping off/collecting your child tomorrow, please take extra care on the roads, and particularly around pedestrians and cyclists.   The Met Office have some clear advice for those travelling in wind.

 

Please reinforce some key but simple reminders to your child to help them stay safe on their way to and from school tomorrow, including:

 

·      Cycling is NOT advisable in high winds tomorrow – please find an alternative means of getting to school

 

·      Take extra care when walking near roads, as sudden gust can easily blow pedestrians sideways and into roads

 

·      Be particularly vigilant when crossing roads and be aware that conditions for motorists are very challenging

 

·      Be aware of flying debris in high winds

 

·      Do not shelter under trees or buildings where debris may fall in high winds

 

·      Make sure you wear a coat and are appropriately dressed for the weather

 

      Our Premises Team are working to our risk assessment for adverse weather conditions and planning ahead to ensure outdoor bins, portacabins and the like are secured as far as possible. That work is underway today.

 

·      Students will be instructed to stay inside the school building during Break 1 and Break 2 tomorrow if the winds are as strong as anticipated – we will monitor weather conditions throughout the day and respond accordingly.  This will not impact on ability to access food and drink throughout the day.

 

·      The finale of the amazing School Show, Legally Blonde, will continue as planned.  Storm Eunice is expected to have blown over Plymouth before the end of the show, but please do be cautious when travelling to the show for ‘curtains up’ at 7pm.

 

·      We will continue to monitor local conditions throughout the day, and keep families updated through email and social media should we need to respond to a worsening situation.

 

Best wishes,