SCHOOL CLOSURES IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Early day motion 857, tabled 10 February 2010 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 19 members.

That this House condemns the current rule which states that if schools stay open in snowy weather and children do not attend then the absence is classed as unauthorised, but if the school remains closed then no absences are recorded; notes that this procedure deters schools from staying open in poor weather conditions; recognises that such closure sets a poor example to children as to protocol in unusual weather conditions; and calls on the Government to support a review of current policy on the closure of schools in extreme weather conditions so that schools and their staff who work hard to keep schools open are not penalised for doing so.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, DUP 1.