SEVERE WEATHER WARNING - SCHOOLS

Argyll and Bute Council is alerting parents, guardians and carers to the possibility of school closures at short notice over the next few days.



There is a severe weather warning alert for tonight through to tomorrow and potentially beyond, with significant snow fall and very low temperatures predicted.



The weather warning may impact differently on different areas of Argyll and Bute, and some areas are likely to be less affected than others. In those worst hit, there is a high risk of schools having to close.



The council will keep as many schools open as it is able to. However, weather conditions can vary significantly even within local areas, and parents should use their own judgement regarding whether the journey to school is safe for their children.



Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Ellen Morton, said the safety of pupils and staff was the over-riding concern.



“We do not take the decision to close any school lightly,” she added.



“However, the wish to keep providing education for our children and young people has to be balanced against the practicalities of trying to keep schools open in severe weather.



“There are all sorts of factors which can contribute to the decision to close a school in bad weather, such as transport concerns, building and heating issues, lack of water and ensuring that enough staff can get to work to look after any children and young people who manage to get to school.



“We are receiving regular updates from the Met Office, the Scottish Government, Strathclyde Police and others, and our decisions over the next few days will be based on the actual conditions across Argyll and Bute along with the advice received from various agencies.”



Argyll and Bute’s roads team’s priority during severe weather is to keep main transport routes open, followed by school and other key service routes.



If any school closures are necessary, schools will be in touch with parents and guardians through the normal channels. The Council will also ensure that all school closure news is circulated via the broadcast media and Twitter (argyllandbute) and that information is also uploaded onto its website (www.argyll-bute.gov.uk).