Update from Department of Education

Sent on Behalf of the Department of Education

Dear Principal

In recent days Department of Education officials have been monitoring Met Office weather warnings for Northern Ireland as well as information from other government departments on the potential damage which may be caused by the incoming storm. I appreciate the challenges presented to Principals by the lateness of the information issued on Sunday evening about today’s closure, but I am sure you also appreciate that the situation was continually evolving during yesterday and it was important to make the right decision.

The Civil Contingencies Group is the forum at which all of central, local and public sector organisations consider the impact of emergencies which may impact on Northern Ireland. Following a meeting of that Group this afternoon, and having taken advice from the Met Office on the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm, I am writing to confirm that all schools should remain closed on Tuesday 17^th October.

I fully appreciate this decision will impact on not only the work of schools but also many businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff. The Department will this afternoon be using the print and broadcasting media as well as social media to inform parents of our decision which hopefully will reduce the number of requests for information from schools.

I can also confirm that the Attendance Team in the Department have already registered Monday 16th October as an Exceptional Closure Day for all schools and no action is required by Principals or their administrative staff. Similar arrangements will also apply for tomorrow’s closure.

I would like to thank you for your continuing support and I will continue to communicate with you if we have any further information.

Derek Baker