Education Minister aims to make schools decision as early as possible

Thu, 01 Mar 2018

Education Minister Graham Cregeen MHK

The Education Minister insists he'll make a decision on whether schools have to close by 7.30am.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture announced yesterday that it wouldn't be able to open its sites shortly before 8am.

Graham Cregeen says a decision will be made wherever possible by 7.30 to allow parents and staff sufficient time to rearrange their work and childcare plans.

The Minister liaises with the Met Office, Isle of Man Transport, the Highways Division and the Department of Home Affairs' Emergency Planning Unit before taking the decision not to open schools.

Mr Cregeen admits closing schools can be frustrating for parents and businesses, but that his Department's priority is ensuring students and staff can travel to and from schools safely.

The Department has confirmed all schools are open as normal today.