How cold it has to be for schools and workplaces to close

It's always a shock when the weather takes a freezing turn for the worst. You spend the morning in a muddle. Are the kids going to school? Should you take the day off work to look after them? Is your workplace even open?

Many schools and workplaces will close but then others always manage to stay open. So, what are your child's rights when snow falls heavily and temperatures drop below freezing? And more importantly, what are your rights when it comes to taking the day off work?

Employees should be afforded regular breaks and the chance to have a hot drink, according to guidelines. In the advice given to handle the cold conditions, employers have been reminded it's their responsibility to provide additional heating should it get too cold.

Bosses should also do what they can to limit exposure and reduce draughts. Employers are also told to offer flexible working patterns or job rotations to help minimise the effects of the cold.

How cold does it have to be to cancel school?

It doesn't matter how cold it is outside - it's more about the temperature inside the school buildings.

The Education (School Premises) Regulations Act, passed in 1999, lays out the rules for teachers and school staff.

It says all school buildings must have a heating system to warm the rooms to the appropriate temperature.

When the temperature is -1°C or below outside the school, they must be able to achieve the below temperatures at a height of 0.5 m above floor level.

• Areas where there is a lower than normal level of physical activity because of sickness or physical disability including sick rooms and isolation rooms but not other sleeping accommodation - 21°C
• Areas where there is the normal level of physical activity associated with teaching, private study or examinations - 18°C
• Areas where there is a higher than normal level of physical activity (for example arising out of physical education) and washrooms, sleeping accommodation and circulation spaces - 15°C

If this heating system should fail during periods of cold weather, or be unable to warm the rooms to the minimum recommended temperature, headteachers would have to take the decision to close school.

Why do schools close when it snows?

All decisions are to do with the safety of students and staff, and include considering whether people can get to and from school safely, if the site is safe and if there are enough staff to supervise youngsters.

In addition to whether the school is warm enough, they will also consider whether playgrounds are too icy, whether water is available and if the toilets are working properly.