Schools across Wales are implementing closures and safety measures as the country braces for extreme heat, with a Met Office red warning in effect. Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that two primary schools, Afon-y-Felin Primary and Corneli Primary, will close at 1pm on Tuesday, June 23, marking the first confirmed school closures due to the heatwave.
Welsh Government Guidance
The Welsh Government has written to all 22 councils in Wales, reiterating advice for schools and childcare settings. The guidance identifies four groups most at risk from extreme heat: those who are overweight, those taking medication, some children with disabilities or complex health needs, and children aged under four. Measures include avoiding vigorous physical activity, maximising shade, ventilation, and hydration, and reducing use of electrical equipment to prevent additional heat generation. Staff are advised to watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Council-by-Council Responses
WalesOnline approached all 22 councils for their plans. Here is a summary of responses received:
- Bridgend County Borough Council: Two primary schools (Afon-y-Felin and Corneli) will close at 1pm on Tuesday, June 23. Headteachers assess risks individually.
- Caerphilly County Borough Council: Not advising closures. Headteachers make decisions based on local conditions. A spokesperson said: "The council is not advising schools to close because of the forecast high temperatures. Our headteachers are best placed to assess the individual circumstances."
- Swansea City & County Council: One primary school will monitor temperatures in portacabin classrooms and close them if necessary. Cold lunch menus will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday to avoid using ovens. Playtimes reduced, uniform rules relaxed.
- Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council: No closures yet. Measures include lighter meal options, extra water and sun cream breaks, and cancellation of sports days and trips. Further action may be taken by Thursday as temperatures peak above 30°C.
- Monmouthshire County Council: Monitoring closely, advising schools to follow Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.
- Flintshire County Council: Individual headteachers manage settings. Claire Homard, chief officer for education and youth, said: "Decisions on how best to implement this guidance are made by individual headteachers and governing bodies."
- Conwy County Borough Council: Schools have local risk assessments in place.
- Powys County Council: No plans to shut schools. A spokesperson said: "Powys schools have been advised that the Met Office weather warning for extreme heat has been upgraded from amber to red. Schools have been asked to consider appropriate measures."
Awaiting Responses
The following councils had not responded at the time of publication: Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, and Wrexham.
Impact and Advice
Parents are advised to send children in loose, light-coloured clothing, with hats and sun cream. The Welsh Government's letter to education directors states: "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." The red warning for extreme heat is in effect from Tuesday through Friday, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C in many areas.
