Classrooms will have to reach a certain temperature to be safe for students
Schools could close this week due to cold temperature warnings
Parents and pupils throughout Ireland have been left anxious about potential school disruptions after Met Eireann issued a string of weather warnings for sub-zero temperatures.
The entire country is under a variety of weather warnings that will remain in place until 11am on Monday.
This will no doubt cause concern for parents across the country, with schools set to reopen after the Christmas break.
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Met Éireann has cautioned residents in Connacht and Munster, as well as those in Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.
Citizens’ Advice clarifies the protocols: “School management in each school decides whether the school should close during extreme weather events. This is because they are best placed to assess how local weather conditions will affect their school’s ability to open.”
“You can also check your school’s website, as they may post a notice there. “Schools have the option to use discretionary days where they had planned to close to compensate for any time lost due to unexpected school closures. This could include shortening mid-term breaks, for example.”
“For the most recent breaking news headlines today, visit our website’s home page. The Office of Emergency Planning recommends that schools conduct a pre-event evaluation to determine what measures should or could be implemented to ensure they can open in the event of severe weather.”
“Factors such as the conditions within the school, the school’s ability to ensure student health and safety, safe access to the school, and guidance from response agencies all contribute to any decision made.”
Other considerations, like classroom temperature, are also taken into account. The Irish National Teachers Organisation stipulates that classrooms need to be heated to a minimum of 16C by 10am.
If there is no heating on a cold day, classes would not proceed.
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