All schools & College of FE staying closed

Wednesday 28 February 2018

An early decision was taken last night to keep all of Guernsey's States run schools and all of the College of Further Education sites closed for a second day, because of the wintry weather. Guernsey's private colleges have also elected to stay closed today due to icy conditions.

Following significant snowfall during the last 24 hours, combined with freezing temperatures forecast overnight, the Chief Secretary to the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture made an early decision on behalf of the States run premises to "give certainty to parents, businesses and the wider community."

Then this morning it was announced that the private colleges were also closing for the day, following suit with the States' schools.

Inspections were carried out at various schools during the afternoon of Tuesday 27 February, and while some had been more exposed to snowfall than others, the closure of all States schools, including the College of FE, was decided on to ensure "a consistent approach."

With the Met Office forecasting temperatures of -3˚C overnight, it was feared the island's roads and school grounds would be "treacherous by morning."

Today:@govgg Rather cloudy and very cold, with scattered snow showers becoming isolated this evening. Fair periods developing overnight with icy surfaces. Max 1°C (feels like -4°C), Min -3°C (feels like -10°C) https://t.co/bXhHWoJLkz pic.twitter.com/1xR95UKZeN

— Guernsey Met (@GuernseyMet) February 27, 2018

The Chief Secretary to the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, Gus Paterson, said he made the decision early to close the school and College of FE sites having seen some of the premises himself during Tuesday afternoon:

"I hope this early announcement helps parents by giving them as much time as possible to make alternative arrangements for their children.

"Given the potential for standing water on island roads to turn to ice overnight – a view I know is shared by Guernsey Police – it is likely that conditions could be dangerous in the morning. The safety of all our students and staff is clearly our primary focus and was at the forefront of my mind when making the decision."

The emergency services had shared those views, also posting on social media on Tuesday evening asking motorists to avoid the roads where possible due to black ice patches forming:

Further snow fall is expected later today, going into Thursday 1 March. No decision has yet been made on whether the schools and College of FE will be open or closed tomorrow.

Mr Paterson said a decision will, as always, be made based on the situation on the day:"We will review conditions again tomorrow (Wednesday) before confirming the situation for Thursday, although we are conscious that more snow is forecast for Thursday. Further announcements will be made in due course."

Pictured above: Max the Springer Spaniel enjoying Grandes Rocques Bay on Tuesday 27 February, 2018