In the event of severe weather you can find out if the school is closed by listening to:

http://www.forth1.com or http://www.forth2.com or by checking the Council’s twitter account @edinhelp.

If our school is not mentioned on the list of closures then it is open as usual.

We aim to always keep our school open as we need to provide education.  We understand that poor weather conditions can make it difficult for all pupils to attend, however closing schools is very disruptive.  If we have to make changes we will update you as soon as possible.

Wet Weather Arrangements

At Gilmerton Primary School, the following arrangements are in place in the event of excessively wet or windy weather:

• Before School – the pupils will be able to enter the school from 8.40am. Pupil Support Assistants will supervise the pupils as they hang up their jackets and school bags and change into their indoor shoes.
• The Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils will gather in the infant hall from 8.40am onwards, where they will line up in class order an wait for their teacher to collect them.
• Primary 3a pupils will enter the school from the P3 and P4 doors on a wet morning.
• Morning Interval and Lunch Time – in the event of excessively wet or windy weather, arrangements will be made for children to remain indoors.

Research has shown that outdoor play is an essential element in helping children to becoming healthier individuals and better learners.  Playing outside not only increases children’s fitness levels but also helps children to develop their social skills and increases their ability to use their imagination.  Most importantly, a break in the fresh air helps children to become better learners as they are able to concentrate more in class and become more focused learners.

At Gilmerton Primary School we try as far as possible to ensure children get fresh air and exercise at playtime and lunchtime.

As we head towards days of typical Edinburgh autumn/winter weather could we ask that all children come to school prepared for the elements.  Unless the weather is extremely bad we will encourage pupils to play outside where they are supervised by our experienced pupil support assistants.

Please ensure that your child comes to school with suitable outdoor wear and footwear.  You may, if you wish, send in a change of clothes that could be left in school.