Schools close as snow chaos hits
Snowfall in Worksop. The Canch w130119-3m
Snow and ice caused major disruption on Monday as many schools closed and motorists faced hazardous driving conditions across Worksop.
Notts County Council’s gritters were out in force while Bassetlaw Council cancelled all refuse collections, directing teams to clear entrances and pathways to doctors surgeries.
Hundreds of pupils had a day off as several schools across the area, with only a handful remaining open - including Priory School, Prospect Hill Juniors and Infants and Norbridge Academy.
Students at Outwood Academy Valley and Portland headed for classes as normal but were sent home at 9.30am - prompting complaints from parents about the disruption caused for pupils who arrived only to be sent home again.
In a joint statement, the principals of both schools said the decision to stay open is always made on the basis of health and safety and that closing it is ‘never taken lightly’.
“ We are conscious that a day’s lost education can never be regained so always endeavour to open to students where possible,” they said.
“Unfortunately, on Monday it was initially felt that the sites were clear enough to allow students and staff on them safely, but as the morning progressed the snow became heavier which was causing difficulties in keeping all access routes clear”
They added: “The academies management teams took the decision to close as soon as this became apparent and made immediate arrangements to ensure students could return home safely.”
“We apologise to all parents and carers if this caused them any inconvenience.”
Priory school headteacher Phil Abbott said he was proud to keep the school open on Monday and thanked pupils, parents and staff for making it possible.
“I appreciate the snow is difficult and it’s a challenge but our motto is that the children come first and we will do everything to keep the school open for their continued learning,” he said.
“We are also mindful that parents who work are not always happy that the school is closed.”
“But we don’t take these decisions lightly. I am very lucky that my staff are so dedicated and share the same vision as I do.”
“They come from as far as Nottingham, Newark and Sheffield and many got the train in instead of driving. “It’s great to see 70 per cent of children here in school enjoying the normal curriculum.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Worksop
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
