FINALLY, it's started snowing here in the Wirral - having missed out on all the pre-xmas snow. First snow I've seen in 3 years (but then, this is the first UK winter I've seen for 3 years, having successfully avoided the last 2).
The reason schools close the instant there's a threat of snow is simple: insurance. If little Johnny or Chavette fall over on a snowed-up playground & hurt themselves (whether it's just bruised pride, right up to broken limbs), Miss Chavette - the single mum - will sue the school/LEA for everything they can get; and, given the court's predilection to pay the "victim" in such cases (q.v. the McDonalds "hot coffee" case in the US, and a similar one here in the UK), not to mention the ambulance-chasing no-win no-fee lawyers making it a no-brainer to try to claim, means that insurance costs for schools must be through the roof; and probably stipulate when the place has to be closed due to inclement weather.
So, as much as I'd love to blame the schools & teachers.... I can't, because it's really OUR fault for letting the scumbags get away with claiming compensation for everything & anything.