PUPILS across south Essex enjoyed a snow day as artic conditions put paid to lessons with school grounds unsafe.

A dusting of snow left headteachers having to make the difficult decision to delay the start of school or close for the day due to the conditions.

The Met Office had warned there could be snow, with a yellow weather warning put in place throughout Sunday and into Monday morning.

READ MORE >> List of south Essex schools closed and those with delayed starts due to snow

Basildon Upper Academy, Basildon Lower Academy, Beauchamps High School, The Bromford School, Ortu Gable Hall, and Woodlands School were some of the schools closed for the day.

Chase High School, The Billericay School, and Castle View School were some of those with delayed starts.

But the decision to close schools across Basildon was branded “ridiculous” by Echo readers.

Valerie Pamela Smith said: “I can’t believe it; I can remember snow coming up to nearly the top of my wellingtons and still going to school.”

Susanne Wakerley wrote: “How does Canada, America, Sweden, Germany and all other countries that heavy snow fall, cope?”

Kathy Stewart added: “Utterly ridiculous. I cannot remember not going to school because of snow.”

However, some parents said health and safety has to come first.

Margaret Sandercock said: “It is health and safety on the school site – heads would be pilloried for any accidents.

“Also, about the traffic that schools create, we can’t have parents’ cars jamming up the roads.”

Sj Summer added: “All the little kids should be enjoying the snow!”

Most schools confirmed they planned to be re-open on Tuesday.

Despite closing some schools, including Beauchamps High School in Wickford, said work would be uploaded online for pupils to complete.

In response to school closures, a spokesman for Essex County Council, said: “Individual headteachers make the decision whether or not to close their school.

“This list is updated every day at 6pm, with information provided by headteachers as to whether their school will be closed the following day.

“Schools also have their own means of contacting parents (text, ParentMail etc.).”