Island schools shut by snow chaos—families left scrambling after last-minute closure
Schools on the island remained closed on Monday 5 January after unexpected overnight snowfall and icy conditions created serious safety risks. The decision, announced at 7.21am, followed emergency procedures triggered by an amber weather warning but left many families and essential workers facing disruption.
Education Minister Daphne Caine later apologised for the delay and confusion surrounding the closure, which also raised concerns over staff pay for teachers and support workers more than a week after the event.
The final call to shut schools was made by the Minister for Education, based on advice from officers and emergency agencies. The Government’s Strategic and Tactical Co-ordinating Groups, including the Met Office and emergency services, assessed the risks before recommending closure. Despite this, the announcement came later than expected, prompting an apology from Caine for the timing.
A half-day opening was considered to ease the impact on families and key workers, but safety concerns ultimately led to a full closure. Over a week later, uncertainty remained over whether staff would receive pay for the day, with the Minister unable to provide clear answers during a parliamentary session.
The disruption has led to calls for a review. A post-incident examination will now take place to assess the response and gather public feedback. Any lessons learned will be used to improve future decision-making in similar emergencies.
The closure followed established emergency protocols but highlighted gaps in communication and planning. With a review now underway, officials will examine how to better handle severe weather disruptions in the future. The outcome will determine whether changes are needed to reduce delays and provide clearer guidance for staff and families.
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