As temperatures soar to record-breaking levels this week, parents are inevitably concerned about the wellbeing of their children during this extreme hot weather. The Met Office has issued a rare red heat health warning across parts of Wales from Tuesday, June 23 to Thursday, June 25, with temperatures forecast to reach 37C, and potentially breaching the 40C mark in some areas of the UK. This has caused issues across transport networks, health and social care services, energy supplies, workplaces and of course schools.
What the Welsh Government Says
Welsh Government guidance stipulates that every school and childcare setting should have contingency plans in place to manage extreme weather conditions. They have contacted education directors across all Welsh local authorities to reinforce its guidance. The complete letter states: "As you will be aware, we are receiving warnings of extremely hot weather for the rest of this week. We know that children can be especially vulnerable to extreme heat. We would therefore be grateful for your assistance in highlighting this to education and childcare providers to ensure they take the necessary steps to keep children and young people safe, indoors and outdoors."
"Our advice to schools and childcare settings to deal with extreme heat is to avoid vigorous physical activity and to maximise shade, ventilation and hydration. Children should wear loose, light coloured clothing if possible and wear hats and sun cream outdoors." The letter also advises schools to be familiar with signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to treat heat stroke as an emergency.
Why Are Schools Closing?
Many schools are opting to shut their gates entirely, or send pupils home at lunchtime, because their buildings simply cannot be cooled down. Without air conditioning, modern-glass fronted structures, and uninsulated older classrooms quickly turn into dangerous heat traps. Each council is able to introduce its own provisions, but there is overarching guidance detailing what schools should do to remain open and safe for pupils. Schools have already begun introducing mitigation measures, such as cancelling sports days and relaxing uniform policies, though some have opted to close entirely to safeguard staff and pupils.
For example, Bridgend council said schools have their own plans in place for dealing with hot weather and assess the situation according to the Welsh Government guidance. Headteachers carry out a risk assessment before taking decisions regarding any specific advice for parents and pupils, as well as potential changes to procedures.
How Are Open Schools Keeping Children Safe?
Most institutions are ditching standard uniform, in favour of loose PE kits or lightweight personal clothing. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recommends against strenuous physical activities in extreme heat. Consequently, traditional sports days, PE classes and after-school matches are being cancelled, unless there are air conditioned facilities. Schools have been advised to keep windows closed and turn off fans once indoor temperatures breach 35°C, as at this point, they cease to cool the room, merely circulating the dangerously hot air instead. Equally, lessons may be moved from hotter classrooms to cooler spaces in the school. Staff members are also cautioned to watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Can I Keep My Child at Home?
If a school remains open, the Department for Education expects pupils to attend, stating that closures are discouraged because "school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely." They added: "School leaders should make sure they take any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable, and the heat-health alerts can guide this." If you choose to keep them home, it could be marked as an unauthorised absence.
If your child does attend, take the following precautions: check if they are able to wear their PE kit, or different clothes. Loose clothing made from natural fibres will help keep them cool. Provide them with a wide-brimmed sunhat and a reusable water bottle filled with ice water. Apply high-factor suncream before school, and ensure they know how to reapply it. Restrict outdoor play entirely during the hottest hours of the day between 11am and 3pm.
