The Department for Education (DfE) has instructed all schools and colleges in areas covered by a rare red heat health alert to carry out an 'immediate test' before deciding whether to close on Wednesday July 24. The red warning, the most severe level of alert, indicates possible significant health risks to the wider population, including a risk to life.
Red Alert Triggers Immediate Risk Assessment
The NASUWT union has stated that the red alert requires schools to perform an 'immediate, additional risk assessment' that could lead to full or partial closure. The union emphasized that the risk assessment must consider travel to and from the site for learners and staff, as well as potential disruptions to public transport systems later in the day.
Hertfordshire County Council advised schools to carry out appropriate risk assessments and implement reasonable adjustments based on individual circumstances, noting that the extreme heat poses an increased risk for special schools. The council offered additional support from Public Health colleagues if needed.
Widespread Closures and Travel Disruptions
Hundreds of schools across England and Wales are closing fully or partially, and rail passengers are being warned to avoid non-essential travel. More than 300 schools are planning to be either partially or fully closed this week due to the weather. Others are closing early on Wednesday and Thursday, with some pupils allowed to wear PE kit instead of full school uniforms.
Queensbury Academy in Bedfordshire informed parents that the school would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the Met Office Red Extreme Heat Warning, remaining open only for vulnerable students. The school stated that the decision was made after careful consideration of the latest guidance and a trustwide risk assessment.
Temperature Forecast and Health Risks
Temperatures are forecast to rise to around 37C or 38C in southern England, with a maximum of 39C possible on Wednesday. The rare red weather warning affects London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England. The Met Office warns of serious illness or danger to life in affected areas, along with potential loss of power and essential services like water due to failure of heat-sensitive systems.
Prof Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that this is only the second time the red heat health warning has been issued, the last being in July 2022. He described the threat as 'very widespread', affecting even otherwise healthy people in their prime of life, and urged everyone to take cautious steps.
Official Guidance and Union Advice
The DfE stated that while hot weather can usually be managed safely, school leaders should take necessary steps to ensure children are safe and comfortable. During hot weather, they do not normally advise schools to close, as attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential. However, the heat-health alerts can guide decisions.
Worcestershire County Council emphasized that responsibility for risk assessments and actions to reduce risk, including changes to school hours, rests with individual schools and their governing bodies. They expect all schools to review arrangements and take appropriate steps to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff.
Impact on Emergency Services
Matthew Hopkins of the acute and ambulance network for the NHS alliance told the Today programme that demand on emergency services is expected to increase over the next few days during the extremely hot weather period. The UKHSA has issued a red heat health alert from 01:00 on Wednesday until 23:00 on Thursday.
