Guidelines for Inclement Weather

In the interest of your children’s safety, we follow the guidelines of the Education Bureau (EDB), Hong Kong Observatory, and the ESF schools’ Weather and Health and Safety Policies. We also take into account a range of international standards of safe practice especially with regards to sporting activities in the context of Hong Kong.

The overall aim of our Guideline for Inclement Weather is to ensure that our after school programmes are run through a culture of safe practices.

Our lessons are cancelled in the event of adverse weather conditions.

All sports and language lessons follow the guidelines below on the conditions under which lessons will be cancelled and the time at which cancellation comes into effect. In certain instances, classes may not proceed due to overriding circumstances, including but not limited to unsafe facilities, EDB or other announcements. This may or may not include instances when a weather signal is issued by Hong Kong Observatory (for example heavy localised rain, hazardous hot and humid weather, and similar). In all weather related cancellations beyond our control, a cancellation announcement will be made on our website and Facebook, and no refund, credit or make-ups will be provided.

Hong Kong Observatory weather warning signals

The signals referred to are those issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (see www.hko.gov.hk). We have these timings in place to ensure the safety of our students and also to ensure our staff can safely travel to and from our schools. We advise you to check our website as we will post a notice confirming any cancellations once a decision has been made. The cut-off times indicated in the table below are designed to allow students and coaches/teachers to travel safely to and from our venues.

Warning
Weekday Term Classes	All classes cancelled if the red/black rainstorm / Typhoon warning is still hoisted at  Decision made between 7:00am-9:00am: classes starting before 1pm Decision made between 12:00pm-2:00pm: classes starting after 1pm	Classes at  kindergarten venues are cancelled if Typhoon warning is still hoisted at Decision made between 7:00am-9:00am: classes starting before 1pm Decision made between 12:00pm-2:00pm: classes starting after 1pm All classes at primary and secondary schools will run as usual.	All classes continue as normal
Weekend and Holiday morning classes Classes starting 9:00am – 12:59pm	All classes cancelled if the red/black rainstorm / Typhoon warning is still hoisted at 7:00am.	Classes at kindergarten venues are cancelled if Typhoon warning is still hoisted at 7:00am. All classes at primary and secondary schools will run as usual.	All classes continue as normal
Weekend and Holiday afternoon classes Classes starting 1:00-7:00pm	All classes cancelled if the red/black rainstorm / Typhoon warning is still hoisted at 11:00am.	Classes at kindergarten venues are cancelled if Typhoon warning is still hoisted at 11:00am. All classes at primary and secondary schools will run as usual.	All classes continue as normal
ESF Language & Learning Centre	All classes cancelled if the red/black rainstorm / Typhoon warning is still hoisted at: 7:00am: classes starting 9:00am-11:59am 11:30am: classes starting 12:00pm – 3:59pm 2:00pm: classes starting 4:00pm or later	Playgroup and Kindergarten classes cancelled if the Typhoon warning is still hoisted at: 7:00am: classes starting 9:00am-11:59am 11:30am: classes starting 12:00pm – 3:59pm 2:00pm: classes starting 4:00pm or later All primary and secondary classes will run as usual.	All classes continue as normal

*Please note that all primary classes will continue as usual during T3.

Rainstorm and Typhoon Warning Signals raised when the session is in operation

If a rain warning is raised after the above time, we advise you to stay home as it may be unsafe to travel. If you have already set off for school, then proceed to school where staff will look after your child. If a typhoon warning is raised on your way to school or during class, we advise you to return home if it is safe to travel. Please be assured that if the signal is raised during class, your child will be supervised until they are collected by a parent / guardian.

Heat and Humidity

The tolerability to different levels of intensity of physical/sports activity varies among people. In general, it depends on health condition, previous exercise experience and level of physical fitness of individuals. It is the parents’ responsibility to monitor possible impact of adverse weather conditions on their children and take appropriate decisions if their child/children should, or should not, participate in activities. 

Adjustments due to the adverse weather may involve cancellation, reducing excessive exertion, shade, headgear, sunblock, appropriate fluids made available and other control measures as appropriate. 

In the event of hazardous weather conditions due to heat and humidity, our programmes will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the prevailing weather. This may include, in case of sports programmes, reducing intensity of the activity, moving the activity indoors, where possible, or cancellation. 

When classes are cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions, no make-up, refund or credit will be issued. 

Air Quality

In assessing the impact of air quality, we take guidance from EPD and Air Quality Health Index website in relation to the nearest appropriate Air Pollution Index (API) station. 

Language Classes, including playgroups, will continue as usual, as they are all in indoors air-conditioned classrooms. 

Sports classes that are conducted outdoors will be modified so that activities are appropriate to the air pollution warnings. 

Please refer to the Air Quality Health Index website for more information.

Kindergarten Recommendations

Primary and Secondary Schools Recommendations

You can download an app to check the AQHI in your area. iPhone/Android.

 

Thunderstorm Warnings

Thunderstorm warnings are often generalised, and the area where we conduct our programmes may be free from thunderstorms. We will use the Hong Kong Observatory website and information from school staff and our staff in making decisions regarding continuation or cancellation of classes. Our guiding principle is the safety of your children.