Information meetings on weather related school disruptions

Over 200 school managers from the capital area attended the meetings

In early October a couple of informative meetings were held for all administrators of kindergartens, elementary schools and leisure activities in the capital area, to review the guidelines regarding disruption of school activities due to weather. A representative from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands), Helga Ívarsdóttir, explained how the colour warning system of the Icelandic Met Office works, and how it affects the capital area. The Head of the Department of Civil Protection in the capital area, reviewed instructions for school staff and parents/guardians. Magnea Ingimundardóttir, project manager of the office of the Department of Education and Leisure in Mosfellsbær, explained the municipality’s vision. From the beginning, Magnea has been involved in the development of the guidelines regarding disruption to school activities.

It is important that managers and staff are well acquainted with the rules and guidelines on weather related disruption to school activities, but special guidance also exists for parents and custodians.

Recommendations for dealing with school disruptions due to weather

Winter is approaching – guidelines for school disruption

The National Fire Service (SHS) has been instructed by municipalities in the capital region to monitor the weather forecast and send out notifications if necessary; as appropriate in consultation with the police and educational authorities. It is important that staff, parents and custodians closely monitor the weather forecast and other news from authorities that could affect children’s school and leisure activities and act in accordance. Circumstances can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and can change quickly in unforeseen ways. It is important that people do not go to school or work if they do not feel comfortable or prepared to travel in certain circumstances, e.g. if a car is not equipped for winter driving.

For whom do these instructions apply?

Custodians always make their own assessment as to whether a child needs to be escorted to or from school, regardless of whether a notification has been received from the authorities. If a parent/custodian assesses that it is not safe for their child to attend school due to the weather, they shall notify the school immediately. The same applies, if children or custodians encounter any problems on their way to school.