St John Fisher Primary, a Catholic Voluntary Academy, Sheffield
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SJF Extreme Weather Plan

Back to News
8th Jan 2026

What Happens in the Event of Heavy Snow or Extreme Weather?

Given the weather forecast regarding Storm Goretti and the issuing of Amber weather warnings across many parts of the UK, we would like to remind families of the St John Fisher (SJF) procedures in the event of extreme weather, such as heavy snow.

Our priority is always to keep school open wherever possible. However, when weather conditions are extreme, it is essential that we also carefully consider the safety of our children, families and staff, particularly when travelling to and from school.


Our Approach in Extreme Weather

In the event of severe weather, we will make one of the following decisions:

  • School opens as normal

  • School opens with amended start and/or finish times

  • School closes for the entire day


All decisions are based on the best and most up-to-date information available, including weather forecasts and guidance from the Local Authority and emergency services.

We also remain in close contact with other local schools and schools across our Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. Often, there is a flurry of communication between Headteachers very early in the morning to support informed decision-making.


How We Will Communicate With You

All decisions and updates will be shared via:


It is therefore vital that we hold up-to-date contact details for all families. Please notify the school office if any of your contact information has changed, as we do not want anyone to miss important messages.


Later Staggered Start

If we decide to operate a later or staggered start, details will be shared via:

  • text message

  • email

  • SJF website


Typically, this means:

  • JPAC Breakfast Club will remain open from 7.00am for those children who are registered 

  • school will open at the usual time

  • the registration period will be extended, usually until 9.30am or 10.00am


Children may arrive at any point up to the extended registration time without being marked late, providing families with more time to travel in difficult conditions. The JPAC team might also contact their families directly with any specific updates, so please look out for this additional communication if your children) normally attends the breakfast and/or after-school club.

Early Closure

If weather conditions deteriorate rapidly during the school day, we may need to close school early.

In this situation, parents/carers will be notified via:

  • text message

  • email

  • SJF website

Families will be asked to collect children either from a specified time, or as soon as possible, if conditions worsen suddenly.

The timing of an early closure will depend on weather conditions and when the decision is made. It is important that all children are collected promptly, whether or not they attend JPAC.

Staff will remain with children until they are collected. However, as their staff safety when travelling home is also a key consideration, we expect parents/carers to be supportive by collecting children as quickly as possible once notification is issued.

Important Reminder

If you do not receive any communication and there is no update on the school website, then school will open and close at the normal times.

Phoning School

In extreme weather, parents/carers are encouraged to:

  • read ParentMail texts and emails

  • check the school website


Please avoid phoning school unless there is an urgent emergency, as phone lines can quickly become congested with calls seeking confirmation of information that has already been shared by us.

Thank you, in anticipation of your support, patience and cooperation during periods of extreme weather.