Red Warning Triggers School Risk Assessments
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, prompting schools and colleges across parts of England and Wales to consider closure due to extreme heat. The warning, which covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands, forecasts temperatures exceeding 37C in the shade, with some areas potentially reaching 38C to 40C. The NASUWT teaching union has stated that under a red alert, school and college employers must carry out an immediate, additional risk assessment, which could lead to full or partial closure of the site.
Extreme Heat and Humidity Pose Health Risks
The Met Office warned that the heatwave will be accompanied by high humidity and sweltering overnight temperatures, with tropical nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C. This combination will make it difficult for people to recover during the night, leading to significant disruption to daily life and a risk to public health. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cautioned that health and social care services should prepare for considerable strain, alongside a rise in fatalities, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions.
Union and Council Guidance on School Closures
The NASUWT outlined measures that schools should consider, including full or partial closure if the risk assessment deems it necessary. The risk assessment must also account for travel to and from the site for learners and staff, and potential disruption to public transport. Cambridgeshire County Council noted that while the Department for Education (DfE) provided heatwave advice, the council had sent guidance to all schools in 2022 outlining steps to take, including a heat checklist. A spokesperson said: "In extreme weather conditions, [schools] would be expected to undertake a risk assessment. Very few schools closed completely."
DfE Advises Schools to Remain Open if Possible
The Department for Education has stated that schools should generally remain open. In a blog post, it said: "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." However, the NASUWT has warned that under certain conditions, schools should contemplate closing immediately.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Comments
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record breaking June temperatures and very high humidity. The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies." He added that consecutive tropical nights will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating heat stress impacts.
Red Alert Indicates Risk to Life
The NASUWT stated: "A Met Office Red Alert indicates that it is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. People should avoid travelling where possible and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities." The union emphasized that where a Red Alert is issued for extreme heat, school and college employers must ensure an immediate, additional risk assessment is carried out and control measures are enacted, which could include full or partial closure if deemed necessary.
