Gateways School’s gates have stayed open all week!

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Gateways estates team and staff have worked hard this week to ensure that Gateways School opened as usual.  Adaptions were made to the school day so that children were able to arrive later in the morning should they wish, and senior staff were all present in the car park at the start and end of every day to assist parents with drop offs and pick ups and to ensure that everyone was safe.

Mock exams and public exams took place as planned.  Pupils were based indoors for break and lunch times but had the opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy the snow for PE lessons.  Some of the Prep pupils took part in a snowy cross-country trail and enjoyed having fun with their friends outside.  High School games were also creative and included a walking challenge in the Harewood estate, snow golf and a snow sculpture challenge which the pupils really enjoyed.

As if all this wasn’t enough, the cold weather also caused some internet and phone disruption, but the dedicated staff team took it all in their stride with a smile on their faces, continuing to deliver learning of the very highest quality throughout!

Parents were very appreciative of the school’s efforts to stay open with numerous positive messages being received such as the one below:

“Just a note to say I really appreciate the staff standing outside in freezing cold conditions to make sure the pupils and car park are safe. Your greeting every morning also shows the school’s community is treated above and beyond.”

The Head, Dr Tracy Johnson, commented;

“I am so grateful to all of my staff team for the extra efforts they have gone to this week to ensure that I have been able to open Gateways as normal to all pupil each and every day.  Particular thanks has to go to my small estates team who must be seeing snow shovels and bags of grit in their sleep!  It has been lovely to receive so many grateful expressions of thanks and appreciation from our parents which really do go to show the strength of the Gateways community and how much it is valued by everyone.”