I heard this, too. It really does make you laugh, doesn't it. Have
these people not heard of trace heaters on their pipe lagging? I
suggest they review their plumbing / maintenance contracts if not...

I can only remember one time when my school was closed due to the
weather...1987 for an entire week. But then the temperatures and snow
did warrant it and the toilet pans in the outside loo block did all
crack from the ice that formed.

Other occasions prior to this however, in all the snow of the 70s and
80s, I can remember very few occasions where schools were closed. We
just seemed to struggle on with the journey in and the dangers of ice
and snow in the playground which everyone used to delight in sliding
on.Some of the bruises were horrific, but there wasn't even a
suggestion of claiming on insurance.