Which schools are closed today? Latest school closures because of bad UK weather and how to find out if yours is open

BRITS will continue to struggle today after a cold snap of snowy conditions dubbed the "mini Beast from the East" have left a blanket of ice on streets.

Here's all you need to know about the latest weather forecast and how to find out if schools near you will be shut in response to the severe weather.

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What is the latest UK weather forecast?

After days of snow showers, Brits are braced for a day of sunny spells, with some areas set to see light patches of rain that will clear before the end of Tuesday.

It will be a icy commute, and a yellow ice warning remains in place across many parts of England and Wales.

Snow melt from  Monday's sunny spells and overnight showers have increased the risk of ice on untreated surfaces.

Brisk winds will develop in the north, and will be pretty noticeable across eastern England, where showers will appear.

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Across the west, temperatures will be slightly colder, with lows of 2C in Exeter before midday, and highs of 4C around eastern regions including London and Hull.

On Sunday, wintry weather caused major disruptions as Brits were told to stay off the roads in southern parts of the country.

Dangerously cold temperatures of around -8C and around 12 inches of snow left locals in Devon forced to take shelter in a nearby school.

Have schools been closed due to snow in the UK?

Snow storms appear to have ceased but dozens of schools across the country remain closed.

Ice which has developed from overnight showers and snow melt,  has left many schools struggling to treat surfaces.

To find out the status of your child's school, you can use 

Below are some links to school closure websites in areas that have been most affected by snow:

You can also check if your child's school is shut today with the government's .

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When was the last time UK schools were closed because of snow?

In December, 2017, Britain's worst snowstorm in four years led to nearly 3,000 schools shutting out of concern for staff and children's welfare.

Storm Caroline left an Arctic air flow in its wake, with temperatures plunging across the UK and up to four inches of snow heavily obstructing roads.

Schools which shut included more than 500 in the east of England and more than 200 each in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Birmingham was the worst hit city with around 400 schools closing.

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What should you do if your kids can’t go to school?

Your options will be limited if you suddenly find yourself lumbered with having to take care of your kids for the day.

Try and contact your work as early as possible to explain the situation.

A reasonable boss shouldn’t penalise you but they might ask you to work from home if you possibly can.

If not, they might be able to make you take unpaid leave, holiday days or work flexible hours to make up time.

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It's worth checking your contract or staff handbook to see if it includes anything about extreme weather or childcare emergencies.

You are entitled to take reasonable amounts of time off work if your childcare arrangements are unexpectedly disrupted – but this could take the form of unpaid leave.

Here's how cold it needs to be before your kids can be sent home from school.