Education ministry issues jacket advisory

The Education Ministry is advising administrators that students should be allowed to wear jackets to school, whether or not they are part of the standard uniform, as the island experiences a cold front.

In a release issued on Thursday, the ministry urged administrators to take proactive steps to safeguard the comfort and well-being of students as Jamaica continues to experience cooler-than-normal temperatures due to the weather pattern. It has brought lower temperatures and gusty winds across the island, creating conditions that may affect students' concentration and overall health.

"Considering this, administrators are being encouraged to adopt measures that ensure children remain warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the school day," the ministry said. In the bulletin, the ministry emphasised that dress codes should be relaxed to accommodate appropriate outerwear, ensuring that all students, regardless of access to branded jackets, are adequately protected from the cold.

"School leaders are also reminded to be attentive to children with existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by the colder weather. Administrators are urged to remain observant and responsive to the needs of these students, ensuring they receive the necessary support to stay warm and healthy," the bulletin read.

"To further promote comfort, schools are encouraged to include warm beverages or soups in their lunch offerings. These should be served at safe temperatures, providing both nourishment and relief from the chill. Additionally, given the impact of the cold front, administrators are asked to allow more frequent bathroom breaks for students as needed."