1. Summary of the Friday school closure
On Friday, 9 January 2026, the state government of Schleswig-Holstein announced a widespread suspension of in-person classes in response to severe winter weather that made school journeys unsafe in many areas. The Ministry of Education decided, following established rules, to cancel face-to-face teaching at general and vocational schools in several districts and to suspend lessons at all special education centres for that day. Local authorities confirmed the announcement and highlighted safety concerns on the roads as the main reason for the measure.
Affected districts
- Dithmarschen
- Herzogtum Lauenburg
- Nordfriesland
- Pinneberg
- Rendsburg‑Eckernförde
- Schleswig‑Flensburg
- Segeberg
- Steinburg
- Stormarn
2. Why the closure was ordered
The decision to cancel classes was guided by the overriding concern for pupil safety on the way to and from school. The ministry followed its standard procedure and legal guidance, including the decree from 13 July 2011, which allows authorities to suspend lessons when weather and road conditions significantly endanger safe travel.
Key decision criteria
Authorities based the closure on the actual or expected passability of roads and the documented risk of unsafe school journeys. In addition to the formal assessment, the state provided a winter information line so parents and schools could check the situation around the clock.
3. Measures put in place during the closure
Although in-person classes were cancelled for the affected Friday, the state took steps to maintain continuity of care and learning where possible. These measures balanced safety, educational needs and parental work obligations.
Distance learning for vocational schools
Vocational schools were allowed to offer remote lessons on a school-by-school basis. This “own responsibility” approach enabled teachers and school leaders to decide if and how distance learning could be provided while keeping staff and students safe.
Emergency care for younger pupils
To support parents who could not stay home, schools organised emergency care for children in grades 1 to 6 at the affected locations. This ensured that working parents had a reliable childcare option for the day of the closure.
Parental discretion and safety
The ministry emphasised that parents always retain the right to keep their child at home or to pick them up early if they judge the school route to be dangerous, regardless of any official announcement. This guidance acknowledges that local, individual circumstances may sometimes warrant extra caution.
- Check your school’s message system for local updates.
- Use common-sense judgement about road and sidewalk conditions.
- Contact the school if you need emergency care or have concerns.
Information hotline
The state made a winter hotline available to provide round-the-clock recorded information about the status of school operations. Parents and school staff could use this service to confirm whether closures applied in their area.
4. Expectation that classes resume on Monday
The ministry’s declaration explicitly covered Friday, 9 January 2026, and did not announce any extension to the following days. That phrasing, together with similar municipal messages, indicates that the state expects regular in-person instruction to resume at the start of the next school week, on Monday, unless new dangerous conditions are identified and communicated.
What to watch for before Monday
- Look for any new official messages from your school or local education authorities.
- Watch weather and road updates overnight and early Monday morning.
- If you remain unsure about travel safety, consider contacting the school to explain your situation or request guidance.
5. Practical advice for parents and students
When winter weather affects travel, clear communication and careful planning help families and schools manage uncertainty. The measures taken in Schleswig-Holstein show how safety, short-term childcare and limited remote learning can be combined to reduce disruption.
Tips for preparing for winter closures and resumption
- Check your school’s communication channels first thing Monday for any updates.
- Prepare children with warm, visible winter clothing and sturdy footwear for icy conditions.
- Plan alternative routes or delayed starts if public transport is affected.
- Keep emergency contact information handy and know whether your school offers early care or late pickup options.
- Use the official information resources provided by authorities (including any available hotline) to confirm the local status of classes.
Final note
Schleswig-Holstein’s approach in this case aimed to protect pupils while minimising disruption. A one-day closure, supported by emergency care and optional distance learning, was followed by an expectation of returning to normal lessons as soon as conditions permitted. Parents and schools should stay alert to local announcements and exercise judgment to keep children safe.
