Several schools across Merseyside are closing doors early this week as the region bakes under an extreme heatwave. A 48-hour heat weather warning has been put in place, with temperatures predicted to soar as high as 35C.
Schools in Liverpool and Wirral Affected
St Hilda's CE High School in Sefton Park is among the Merseyside schools making changes to coincide with the scorching weather. The school will be closing at 12pm today, June 24. A spokesman posted on social media: "With Thursday set to be the hottest day of the week, we'll be making a change to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Students will finish at midday on Thursday after completing periods 1, 2 and 3. Lessons will go ahead as normal in the morning. Please come in St Hilda's PE kit. bring plenty of water. Students will be dismissed from form at midday. Stay cool and look after yourselves!"
Early Closures and Adjustments
The Oldershaw School in Wallasey has also announced an early school closure due to extreme heat. A spokesman said: "After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close the school early on Wednesday 24th June and Thursday 25th June due to the extreme heat. School will close at 1.10pm on both days. Please refer to the letter sent via Arbor or our website for further information and details regarding these arrangements. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation." A Facebook post added: "We strongly encourage students to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day."
Optional Early Collection and Rescheduled Events
New Brighton Primary School has put in place an optional early collection time of 1.15pm for the duration of the week as the heatwave continues. Holly Lodge Girls' College in West Derby remains open, but announced its Year 11 leavers assembly had been rescheduled. In a Facebook post, a spokesman said: "Due to very high temperatures on Thursday, we have moved the leaver's assembly to Monday at 3.30pm in the hall."
Sports Days Cancelled
Hope Primary School in Huyton was due to hold sports days on Tuesday and Wednesday, and "Total Warrior" challenges for older pupils today and Friday. These events have now been cancelled. In an Instagram post addressed to parents, a school spokesman said: "Important update due to the weather warning for high temperatures. The safety of our students is our top priority. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to cancel the following events."
National Context and Guidance
Hundreds of schools have closed nationwide due to the extreme temperatures, which could pose a danger to children's safety. However there is no maximum temperature that enforces schools to close. The Department of Education's hot weather and heatwaves guidance states: "During hot weather, we don’t normally advise schools to close. This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely. 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. Schools could consider relaxing uniform rules during hot weather to make sure pupils are comfortable. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims. When outdoors, encourage children to stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunscreen with high sun protection factors should be used to protect skin. Teachers should also encourage children to take off their blazers and jumpers."
