A FRUSTRATED headteacher has hit out at schools for “letting down their communities” by closing due to snowfall.

Simon Billings, of St John’s Green Primary School, in Colchester, said the children of key workers had been left in the lurch by unnecessary closures.

Asserting the snow “was no surprise to anyone”, Mr Billings said: “By closing, they leave our vulnerable children more vulnerable and our key worker children firmly in the lurch, citing health and safety.

“I wonder if the staff at these same schools have all remained cosseted indoors - or perhaps, as is more likely, they have been to the shops for their essential supplies.

“I wonder,too, if these same school staff would expect to be able to utilise the NHS or the police if they needed, yet it’s all right for school’s to close?”

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Mr Billings said while some genuine cases of necessary school closures exist, many were not doing their upmost to remain open during a crucial time.

He said: “I had a conversation with another headteacher who told me one of their teachers couldn’t get in because of the snow.

“Ironically, it later transpired I actually drove past their front door on my way to work on Monday.

“Incidentally, on my way in to Colchester, I effectively drove past at least six closed schools.

“Maybe the little car I drive is just better in the snow.

“The council did a phenomenal job in getting the main roads gritted and safe, they must have worked tirelessly.”

He added: “In the midst of a pandemic, when schools should be doing our bit, we’ve dropped a ball.

“Schools need to pick it up again and do what we do best - which is to educate, to support and to nurture.”