The closure of schools due to bad weather has a "devastating" impact on single parents, London Mayor Boris Johnson has warned.
A fresh round of school closures took place on Friday as the big freeze continues - meaning some children are going without classes for the whole week.
But Mr Johnson called on the education sector to think twice before closing any schools in the event of further bad weather.
"There are times when it is obviously not safe to carry on as usual, but I do urge headteachers, governors and education authorities to consider the consequences of school closures on parents who are then prevented from going to work.
"This has a disproportionate impact on women and can be devastating for single parents when no alternative childcare arrangements can be put in place at short notice."
His comments followed those made by Manchester Council leader Sir Richard Leese, who criticised headteachers for a spate of "unnecessary" closures.
"Apart from a few special cases there is no reason why schools shouldn't be open."
