A parent has spoken out over the closure of a Blackburn school which caters for those with special needs, due to ‘ice and snow’.

The mum, who did not wish to be named, said she had been coming to the school for many years and had ‘not seen anything like it’.

The Newfield school caters for pupils with physical and medical needs and has been closed since Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the school, Blackburn with Darwen Council said the safety of the pupils was paramount, as was the 'needs of the children in their care'.

However, one parent, said she was concerned over the closure and decided to ‘check’ the site herself today (Thursday).

She said: “I just wanted to see why it was closed for a third day in a row.,

“We got told that it was unsafe for traffic but it appears clear to me.

"The main road is also clear and we have seen ambulances going up and down and people walking on the paths.

“The car park was also clear of snow and ice and I felt it was more than accessible.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The woman said she worked for herself and has lost three days of pay, and the time off had caused great deal of issues for herself and her child.

She added: “All my other children are at school and I cannot see why the school was closed again for another day.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

A number of schools were closed on Tuesday following heavy snow in the morning.

Tuesday's snow, followed by sub-zero temperatures and ice in parts on Wednesday and again on Thursday morning meant a host of schools closed, but more schools have reopened through the week as snow and ice subsided.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said children had complex needs and the decision was not taken lightly.

Deputy director for education in children’s services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Michelle Holt, said: "Newfield has been closed for Health and Safety reasons linked to the snow and ice. 

"The decision to close the school is a joint one taken by the Headteacher and Chair of Governors. 

"They have to consider the needs of the children in their care. Newfield is a special school for children with complex special educational needs and disabilities and the decision to close was not taken lightly at all. 

"School have offered some online learning and this morning have organised for a company to grit and clear the area ready to open once it is safe to do so.”