Met Eireann has issued a new warning for Dublin and surrounding counties as 'severe' frost and ice is expected tomorrow and on Friday, and it may impact schools.
The Status Orange low temperature/ice warning was issued today for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht, and the warning is valid from 6pm Thursday until midday Friday. Temperatures are also expected to drop as low -5C bringing 'severe frost and ice'.
But what does this mean for schools? Due to severe icy conditions and the low temperatures this week, one important school routine that may be impacted is play time on the yard or playground as some schools may not allow children to play outside at break time due to health and safety concerns.
Read more: Met Eireann issues Status Orange warning for Dublin as city braces for 'severe' weather
Meanwhile, the Irish National Teachers Union states that classrooms need to be heated to a minimum of 16C by 10am. If there is no heating on a cold day, classes may not be able to go ahead.
In recent days Minister Darragh O'Brien confirmed that the plan is to keep schools open during the cold snap. The decision to close a school ultimately rests with the school management authority taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies, especially An Garda Síochána.
Here are the main rules around school closures during extreme winter weather:
Safety:
If there is extreme ice or snow around the grounds of the school, it may not be safe for students and staff to go to school. If ice and snow cannot be removed from the grounds of the school, the building may have to close as severe ice may cause slips or falls among staff and students.
If local roads and footpaths are dangerous to use because of snow or ice, the school may close. And if parents, students, staff and other school transport services are unable to commute to the school during severe weather, the school may close.
Classroom temperatures:
According to the Irish National Teachers Organisation, classrooms need to be heated to minimum of 16C by 10am. If there's no heating on a cold day, the school may close.
While most schools have a decent heating system, if pipes get frozen over the principal then will have to either arrange a different area to learn, or cancel classes.
How will I know if my child's school is closed?
In the event of school being cancelled in an area due to extreme weather, most schools will use a text messaging service to communicate with parents and staff. Local radio, the school’s website or social media may also be useful to alert parents and students to school conditions and closure should this arise.
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