The sudden onset of freezing weather makes everyday activities more challenging. Schools and workplaces are among the many locations where colder weather can create issues – and generate questions.
Among the queries people will have as temperatures plummet will be around whether schools stay open – and whether you need to go to work. In addition, you may even need to consider staying at home for your kids, reports Bristol Live.
Rules, in short, vary. While some schools and workplaces may shut down, others manage to remain open.
So, what rights do your children have when it’s freezing outside and snow is falling heavily? And crucially, what are your rights regarding taking a day off work?
According to guidelines, employees should be given regular breaks and opportunities to warm up with a hot drink. Employers are reminded that they are responsible for providing additional heating if it becomes too cold.
They are also advised to limit exposure to the cold, reduce draughts, and offer flexible working patterns or job rotations to help mitigate the effects of the cold. But how cold does it need to be for schools to close?
The temperature outside isn’t the deciding factor – it’s more about the temperature inside the school buildings. The Education (School Premises) Regulations Act, passed in 1999, sets out the rules for teachers and school staff.
It stipulates that all school buildings must have a heating system capable of warming the rooms to an appropriate temperature. When the external temperature drops to -1°C or below, the school must be able to maintain certain temperatures at a height of 0.5 m above floor level.
If the heating system fails during cold weather, or if it can’t heat the rooms to the minimum recommended temperature, it would be up to headteachers to decide whether to close the school. Why do schools shut when it snows?
All decisions are made with the safety of students and staff in mind, including whether people can safely travel to and from school, if the site is safe, and if there are enough staff to supervise the children.
Besides considering if the school is warm enough, they will also assess if playgrounds are too icy, if water is available, and if the toilets are functioning correctly.