By Steph Johnson

Last updated at 17:30, Friday, 03 December 2010

A headteacher in Cumbria shovelled snow and gritted paths to make sure her pupils could get into school this week.

Headteacher Alison Dickinson, right, with staff and pupils who helped clear paths near the school

As youngsters across the county were told to stay at home because of the weather, Ireby Primary School pupils soldiered on and headed off to class.

There are 47 children, including the nursery tots, at the school.

On Monday, most managed to make it to lessons and on Tuesday all but a couple who were off sick arrived.

Yesterday it was still business as usual, with the youngsters spending the afternoon rehearsing for their Christmas play.

Headteacher Alison Dickinson and the school’s six other members of staff have been getting in early to make sure the school can safely open.

Clearing away snow and gritting paths has added an hour or so onto the day.

But the extra 60 minutes work is well worth it, says Mrs Dickinson. She told The Cumberland News: “It’s been a real team effort and the parents are very pleased.

“If we were closed they would have had to find alternative child care for their children and it can be hard to find people who can look after them.

“The grit supplies have been better than previous years and that’s helped.

“We have a grit bin and the bottom of the path which was filled up for us on Monday,” she added.

Mrs Dickinson is determined to keep the school going right throughout the winter and says it will only close if absolutely necessary – for the sake of the pupils as well as the parents.

Mrs Dickinson added: “Children in rural areas enjoy seeing their friends so if we stay open they can do that.”

Although lessons have continued as usual throughout the day, the youngsters have been allowed to play out in the snow during breaks – as long as they brought their wellies and warm clothes!

First published at 14:23, Friday, 03 December 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk