by Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Purpose of the New Winter Guidelines
- Key Updates in School Timings
- Safety Measures for Students
- Heating & Infrastructure Instructions
- Health Advisory for Parents and Teachers
- Transport & Road Safety Guidelines
- Academic Adjustments During Winter
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Public Response and Expected Outcomes
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has officially issued new winter guidelines for schools to ensure the safety, well-being, and smooth academic operations of students during the cold season. As temperatures are expected to drop significantly across several districts, the education department aims to provide clear instructions to schools, parents, and teachers.
These guidelines focus on school timings, health precautions, heating arrangements, transport safety, and emergency planning, ensuring that students stay warm, safe, and academically on track.
2. Purpose of the New Winter Guidelines
The primary objective of these guidelines is to protect students from harsh winter conditions while ensuring minimum disruption to education. KP experiences severe cold, especially in upper regions, and several areas face snowfall, fog, and freezing temperatures.
The guidelines also help schools plan their schedules efficiently and maintain a comfortable learning environment.
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3. Key Updates in School Timings
To reduce exposure to freezing morning temperatures, the KP Education Department has revised school opening and closing hours:
- Primary Schools:
- New timing: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Middle & Higher Secondary Schools:
- New timing: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday Timings:
- All schools will close 30 minutes earlier.
These updated timings will remain effective throughout the winter season unless further notified.
4. Safety Measures for Students
The government encourages both public and private schools to ensure students are adequately protected.For official updates, visit the
KP Education Department Official Website
Key safety measures include:
- Every student should be encouraged to wear warm clothing, gloves, caps, and proper shoes.
- Schools must avoid outdoor activities during early morning hours.
- Morning assemblies should either be shortened or shifted indoors.
- In extreme fog or cold waves, schools may temporarily shift to reduced timing.
5. Heating & Infrastructure Instructions
To maintain a safe indoor environment, the guidelines highlight:
- Properly installed and ventilated heating systems must be used.
- Schools should avoid open flames, coal heaters, or any heating source that can cause suffocation or fire hazards.
- Windows and doors must allow airflow to prevent gas buildup.
- Roofs and walls should be checked for leakage or damage before heavy rain or snow.
The department has emphasized safety first when using heaters, ensuring they meet indoor equipment standards.
6. Health Advisory for Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers play a major role in keeping children healthy during winter.
The health advisory focuses on:
- Providing children with healthy breakfast before school.
- Sending students with warm layers to protect against winter infections.
- Parents should avoid sending sick children to school to prevent disease spread.
- Teachers should monitor signs of flu, pneumonia, throat infections, and high fever among students.
- Schools must ensure availability of first-aid kits and contact protocols for emergencies.
7. Transport & Road Safety Guidelines
Foggy conditions and slippery roads increase risks for school transport.
Key instructions include:
- All drivers must ensure vehicles are fully functional, especially brakes and heaters.
- Students should be picked up from safe locations during low visibility.
- School vans must avoid overspeeding under any condition.
- In extreme fog, schools may adopt flexible timings for safety.
8. Academic Adjustments During Winter
Winter season often disrupts academic flow, so KP’s new guidelines include:
- Teachers should finish essential topics before peak winter holidays.
- Schools may assign light homework or digital assignments for continuity.
- If extreme weather forces closures, schools will shift to short-term online classes or send study material through WhatsApp groups.
- Mid-term exams may be rescheduled if temperatures become unsafe.
9. Emergency Preparedness Plan
Each school must have a winter emergency plan that includes:
- Contact list of local hospitals, rescue services, and parents
- Fire safety measures, alarm systems, and emergency exits
- A dedicated teacher responsible for daily safety checks
- Regular monitoring of classrooms for heating safety
- Scheduled drills in case of weather-related hazards
Schools in snowfall-prone areas have been instructed to remain extra vigilant.
10. Public Response and Expected Outcomes
The guidelines have been welcomed by many parents who worry about early morning cold and rising winter illnesses. Teachers also appreciate clear rules about heating safety and academic adjustments.
Experts believe these guidelines will:
- Reduce health-related school absences
- Ensure safe and comfortable classrooms
- Lower accidents caused by fog and frost
- Keep academic activities steady despite weather challenges
Overall, the new winter policy is expected to create a more secure and manageable winter season for schools across KP.
11. Conclusion
KP’s new winter guidelines reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding students during cold weather. By modifying school timings, improving safety standards, and introducing flexible academic plans, the education department ensures that learning continues without risking health and safety.
Schools, parents, and teachers must work together to implement these measures effectively so that children remain warm, healthy, and academically active throughout the winter season.
