The Government cannot accept the implications contained in Gibraltar NASUWT’s statement on the schools. The Department of Education of course recognises the importance of the issues raised by the Union and takes the issues of health, safety and wellbeing for both students and staff extremely seriously.

Importantly, it is not correct to say that there was no coordination at Department of Education level. The Director of Education and the Minister were in constant contact throughout the day and into the evening, and similarly the Director was in contact with head teachers, with the views expressed by NASUWT in their text exchange with the Minister expressly considered as decisions were being taken.

It clearly would have been the wrong decision to close the schools in the middle of the storm on Tuesday, as the children were safe and, as it happened, the winds died down considerably by school departure time. This is not being disputed by NASUWT, but it is important to note that it was a matter being discussed as these issues are all taken very seriously.

The effect on the community of closing schools is of course an important consideration, but that in no way demeans the role of a teacher.

In relation to Westside School on Tuesday lunchtime, it appears that some students were initially wrongly advised that they could not stay on the premises over lunch. This was not the Department’s position and was immediately reversed, and students were in fact allowed to remain in school.”

The decision of the Government not to close schools on Wednesday absolutely bore in mind the safety of the children and young people, and a coordinated message was put out by the schools on Tuesday evening, at the request of the Director after discussion with the Minister, advising parents that if they decided not to send their children in they would not be penalised in any way. The schools have remained open today as educational establishments for real teaching and learning, and absolutely not for child minding.

In relation to the safety of staff on the way to work, this is clearly also vitally important in relation to all staff throughout Government, all of whom were expected to attend work, provided they could get there safely. It was not possible, nor would it be fair, to single out teachers as the only group of employees not required to work.

The Department regularly undertakes civil contingency training and participates in live exercises, and these experiences are routinely drawn upon and put into practice in circumstances such as periods of severe weather. That said, it is clear that severe weather events place additonal pressures and there are always lessons to be learnt. Following this episode of storms there will be an update and review so that we can learn from the experience, in which NASUWT will be included.

There has been water ingress in a number of schools, to be expected in what is a once in a generation storm, but that has been much less than was the case in much less severe weather before the new schools were built by the Government. All those water ingress issues will be addressed by contractors immediately the weather clears. Meanwhile, safety is paramount and all reports are being co-ordinated in order to ensure that all staff and pupils are safe.

The Government, and the Department of Education want to take the opportunity to express their gratitude to all staff, teachers, SNLSAs and support staff for their work always, especially in these exceptional conditions.

Minister for Education John Cortes, said, “Schools across Gibraltar worked under challenging conditions, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of all staff who acted to reassure families and manage disruption as best as possible.

I have already asked officials to review the handling of severe weather warnings, including communication protocols, decision-making timelines, and contingency arrangements. This review will include engagement with unions, schools, and relevant agencies to ensure that future responses are precautionary, coordinated, and clearly communicated in advance wherever possible.

All teachers know very well how much I stand up for their profession and how much I support them in every way. They can see this clearly in my regular interactions with them and the schools. Of course they are not child minders. Absolutely not.

I was in touch with the NASUWT Executive yesterday and I have been in touch with them again today to reassure them that my absolute support for teachers, as individuals and as a profession, and for their role, remains intact. Teachers know I am their friend, and that I will remain so.

Our shared objective is the same: to safeguard the wellbeing of students and staff while maintaining continuity of education wherever and whenever it is safe to do so. Clear leadership, collaboration, and a safety-led approach will guide our response to future severe weather events.”

ENDS