The UK government has issued advice to headteachers regarding school operations during an extreme heatwave expected to push temperatures above 38°C. The Department for Education (DfE) has clarified that school closures should not normally occur, emphasizing that attendance remains the priority.
DfE Guidance on School Closures
The DfE stated in a blog post: "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."
Uniform and Sun Protection
The DfE advised schools to consider relaxing uniform rules. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing, sunhats with wide brims, and use sunscreen with high protection factors. Teachers should encourage pupils to remove blazers and jumpers, and to stay in the shade when outdoors.
Physical Activity Adjustments
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends avoiding vigorous physical activity on very hot days. Schools should adapt PE lessons to include more sedentary activities.
Classroom Management
To keep classrooms cool, schools should open doors and windows early for cross-ventilation, close windows when outdoor air is warmer than indoor air, and use blinds without blocking ventilation. CO2 monitors can help check air quality. Electric lighting should be minimized, and equipment turned off to reduce heat. Fans can be used below 35°C but may worsen dehydration above that temperature.
Hydration and Health Risks
Schools should encourage children to drink more water than usual. The UK Health Security Agency warned of significant impacts on health and social care, with increased deaths among those over 65 or with health conditions. The Met Office issued an extreme amber heat warning from Monday to Thursday, covering southern England, Wales, the Midlands, and later parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: "It's a very unusual, very rare spell of very hot weather... people should take care, try to keep their houses as cool as possible, check in on those that are vulnerable." Temperatures are forecast to reach 34°C on Monday, 37°C on Tuesday, and 38°C on Wednesday and Thursday, with potential for higher values.
