The Island's primary and secondary schools will close for the summer this Friday (24th July) but their grounds will remain open, providing a safe place for children to play.

The message has been announced by Education Minister Anne Craine MHK, who says ‘If the superb weather we have been enjoying continues, and let’s hope it does, school grounds provide a safe place, away from roads, for children to play.’

The Minister said ‘During the long summer break, parents may say to children 'off you go and play' but the question may then arise of 'where?'.

'We want to remind parents that the Department of Education’s facilities are open to the public 52 weeks a year and we would welcome children playing in them rather than kicking a football on the streets, where they may be in danger from traffic. 

‘These days parents often worry about where it is safe for their children to roam and play and the message that we want to get across to them is – don’t forget school grounds and playing fields.’

However, children should not do anything to endanger their own or others’ safety while playing in school grounds.

The Minister said ‘We want everyone to have a fun but safe summer.

'Schools provide wide open spaces for children to use and, providing there is no damage or inappropriate use, there is no reason why they should not remain open for use.’