Some London schools will close early this week as extreme temperatures are set to smash the June record set in 1976 by several degrees Celsius. Forecasters predict temperatures could soar to 38-40°C in some parts of England and Wales.
Red Health Warning Issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red health warning for six regions of England – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England – effective from 1am on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday.
School Closures in London
Oaks Park High School, in Sutton, south London, will close at 12.20pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It said on its website: “The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff must remain our priority. Despite the measures we have put in place to keep classrooms as cool as possible, the forecast temperatures and heat warnings mean that remaining on site for the full school day is likely to become increasingly uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.” Work will be set for students to complete at home on each of the three days.
Belmont Junior School, in Haringey, north London, has asked parents to collect their children at 1.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if possible, but said provision will remain in place for those who cannot do so. Parents of pupils at All Saints Benhilton Primary School, in Sutton, have also been told they can choose to collect their child early at 1.15pm this week.
Closures Elsewhere in England
Elsewhere in England, Kingdown School and The Clarendon Academy, both in Wiltshire, will close at 12.25pm from Monday to Thursday. “We have been closely monitoring the weather forecast for the coming week, with temperatures expected to exceed 34°C from Monday June 22 to Thursday June 25,” Kingdown School said on its website. “To prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, we have made the decision to implement an early finish on these days.”
Relaxed Uniform Rules
Some schools have relaxed uniform rules during the heatwave. The Castle Rock School in Coalville, Leicestershire, and St John Fisher Catholic School in Wigan said students can come to school without blazers or ties, while Falkland Primary School in Newbury, West Berkshire, said children can attend in their PE kit.
Union Guidance
School leaders’ union NAHT has sent its members guidance on dealing with the heat. General secretary Paul Whiteman said: “As temperatures continue to rise, school leaders will be thinking carefully about how to keep pupils and staff safe and as comfortable as possible. While there is no legal ‘upper limit’ for temperature in schools, they will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures. For most, this will mean making straightforward adjustments such as limiting the time spent in the sun during breaks, ensuring additional water is available, making adjustments to uniform expectations where appropriate, and ventilating classrooms as best they can. If, as it appears, warmer summers are going to become the norm, then Government really does need to act more urgently to improve and modernise school buildings, including a focus on ventilation and potentially air conditioning. School buildings need to be conducive to learning all year round.”
Department for Education Response
The Department for Education said it does not normally advise schools to close during hot weather because attendance is “the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential”, but that school leaders should ensure they take “any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable”, as it laid out guidance on how to keep pupils safe.
