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Please click on each of the below buttons to view our DSHS Volunteer Policies.
The situation this morning (5/12/23) is: 1. I can see that the water is currently receding (but there is so much of it that it will take a while to clear and assuming the river doesn't rise again. 2. The road between the leisure centre and DSHS is passable with care in a regular vehicle but only really in single file (the side closest to the leisure centre is above the kerb for approx 15m. 3. The water that is still over the road (see photo) between DSHS and the leisure centre is very shallow when there is no vehicle traffic. I have walked through it just now with ease and dry feet. However, the area will be contested by vehicles trying to use it too / vehicle movements will also cause a wash. This is the plan: If you normally come via the Westlands side your journey is safe (I have also checked the dip just off the mini roundabout) but is likely to be busier than normal. If your child gets a school bus they will be able to clear the water with no issue (I have just watched two buses do it). We will ask the drivers to do their drop outside the top gate. If you normally drop your child off in a car, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to take the route via Westwood and drop your child ahead of the mini roundabout so that traffic on the road by the leisure centre is kept to an absolute minimum to allow any students who need to come to school on foot safe passage through the very very shallow water. If your child normally walks to school from the Westacre side and can't get dropped off in a car this morning, I will place plenty of my staff on the road to make sure that we stop the traffic and allow them to walk through the very shallow water safely and without getting splashed / wet. Clearly there is a chance that collection will be tricky too and we will monitor the situation closely and make appropriate and safe arrangements as necessary. Like I said last night, every day in school is vital, especially for Year 11 so please do support your child by getting them in to school. We will keep them safe on the way in and the way out. We won't run any late detentions today so if you do need to take your time it is much better to arrive at 9.15 than not at all. Also, I'm more than happy for students to wear whatever they like on their feet today. I would hate to think that wet shoes have prevented a day in school. Thanks for your support.