Snow arrived for several counties over the last 24 hours, and it seems additional showers are on the way for plenty more regions across Ireland.
Met Eireann has put 22 counties under a status yellow warning as hail, sleet, and snow are expected to fall alongside plunging temperatures.
The RSA has warned that there will be icy stretches on roads and has appealed to motorists to slow down and drive carefully.
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Each time snow is forecast, the question of whether or not schools will close crosses the minds of students and teachers nationwide.
However, the fact is it comes down to a number of key factors in the wintertime, so here’s what you need to know:
Is the classroom too cold for students?
According to the Irish National Teachers Organisation, classrooms need to be heated to a minimum of 16C by 10:00 am. So if there is no heating on a cold day, classes would not go ahead.
Most schools will have adequate heating systems to withstand the cold, but if for some reason it breaks or pipes get frozen over, the principal then will have to either arrange a different area to learn in or cancel classes.
If this happens after school has already started students who go home for lunch should be told not to return while kids who don't have that option should be supervised and sent home when it's safe to do so.
If they can't guarantee heat the following day children should be told not to return until it's fixed.
Is it safe to travel to the school?
Of course, heating is not the only factor taken into account. In the majority of cases where schools close due to weather - it's more about safety getting to and from the class.
According to Winderready.ie, which is the quoted guideline in the Education Department's Weather Document, these are the factors that need to be taken into account.
If it's extremely icy around the grounds or there's a snow blanket it might not be safe for students who could slip and get injured - if this can't be dealt with then closure might have to be considered.
The ability of parents, students, staff, and school transport services to safely negotiate local roads.
This is the most common reason schools will decide to close.
Is it safe to open the school?
If the pipes are frozen and heating above 16C can't be provided, then the school would not be deemed in a safe condition and classes should be cancelled.
The capacity of the school to ensure the health and safety of students whilst in school
This needs to be taken into account too - particularly regarding the grounds.
Garda advice is usually taken into account when making this decision and if travel isn't advised unless absolutely necessary then the school's out for the day.
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