Schools across London have battled to stay open to support vulnerable children despite the treacherous weather.
Although many schools in the capital were forced to close due to teacher shortages or because icy conditions made school sites unsafe, others kept services running for needy children or families in search of food or warmth.
Thousands of children were forced to revert to online learning because their schools were closed, including more than 30 nurseries, primaries and secondaries in Waltham Forest. School closures were also reported in Newham, Greenwich, Haringey and Bromley.
But Henry Maynard Primary in Walthamstow, which was forced to close due to teacher shortages, opened at lunchtime for children eligible for free school meals to get hot food, and families who need a warm space were encouraged to drop in.
Leytonstone School closed due to “severe weather conditions and travel disruption” but remained open for vulnerable pupils. Emmanuel community school in Walthamstow, messaged parents saying “we are open today and warm.”
Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Academy chain said all of the 39 “warm spaces” provided by Oasis schools remained open. He said it was important for vulnerable children to have access to meals and warmth despite the snow. All but one of the 52 Oasis schools across the country remained open, including all 14 in London and the south east.
Mr Chalke said that at least 80 per cent of the children in Oasis schools are in families experiencing “real financial pressure and stress” and the number of children eligible for free school meals is three times higher than the national average.
He added: “Our warm spaces are like a coffee shop but free to get into. We are open every day for our community.”
All but one of the 52 academies run by the Harris Federation also remained open despite the snow.
Meanwhile Langley Park School for boys in Beckenham delayed the start of the school day for most pupils and closed its sixth form because some staff were unable to get to work and the school site had to be made safe.
Plumcroft primary school in Plumstead was closed due to “treacherous conditions” and shortages of catering and teaching staff.
Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate Grammar School, which remained open, encouraged children to enjoy the snow. He said: “Snowballs and snowmen in the playground, joy on the faces of children, a chance to make memories and to deepen friendships. There isn’t enough snow in childhood.”
