The NASUWT teaching union has outlined circumstances under which schools and colleges should consider closing as a potentially lethal heatwave is forecast to hit the UK, with temperatures potentially exceeding 38°C. The Met Office has issued an extreme amber heat warning from Monday until Thursday, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Met Office warning and risks
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 nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, known as a “Tropical Night,” will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating heat stress impacts.
Union’s position on Red Alert
The NASUWT stated that if the amber warning is upgraded to Red, immediate action may be needed. A Red Alert indicates a very likely risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies, and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. The union said: “Where a Red Alert is issued for extreme heat, school and college employers must ensure that an immediate, additional risk assessment is carried out and the control measures indicated are enacted. These could include full or partial closure of the site if the risk assessment deems this necessary.” The risk assessment must also account for travel to and from the site for learners and staff, as well as potential disruption to public transport later in the day.
Department for Education guidance
The Department for Education (DfE) has generally advised against school closures. 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.”
Practical measures for schools
The DfE recommends that schools consider relaxing uniform rules, allowing children to wear loose, light-coloured clothing and sunhats with wide brims. When outdoors, children should stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunscreen with high protection factors should be used, and teachers should encourage children to remove blazers and jumpers.
Regarding physical activities, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) advises that children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days. Lessons can be adapted to include more sedentary activities.
Additional adjustments
Schools can improve ventilation by opening classroom doors and windows to encourage cross ventilation. Windows should be opened early in the morning before children arrive, or preferably overnight to release stored heat, while checking insurance and security conditions. Windows should be closed when outdoor air becomes warmer than indoor air to keep heat out while maintaining adequate ventilation. Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed but should not block ventilation; CO2 monitors can help check airflow.
Electric lighting should be minimised, and equipment should not be left on standby as this generates heat. Mechanical fans can be used if temperatures are below 35°C; above that, fans may not prevent heat-related illness and could worsen dehydration. Schools should provide and encourage children to drink more water than usual.
