Several London schools have announced early closures or requested parents to collect children early this week as an extreme heatwave pushes temperatures to a potential 40°C in the capital.
Red health warning issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red health warning for six English regions – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England – running from 1am on Wednesday through to 11pm on Thursday. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach between 38°C and 40°C across parts of England and Wales.
Schools implement early finishes
Oaks Park High School in Sutton, South London, will finish at 12:20pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The school stated on its website: "The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff must remain our priority. Despite the measures we have put in place to keep classrooms as cool as possible, the forecast temperatures and heat warnings mean that remaining on site for the full school day is likely to become increasingly uncomfortable and potentially unsafe." Pupils will be provided with work to complete at home on each of the three days.
Belmont Junior School in Haringey, North London, has requested parents collect their children at 1:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday where feasible, though confirmed that arrangements will continue for families unable to do so. Parents at All Saints Benhilton Primary School in Sutton have similarly been informed they may opt to collect their child earlier at 1:15pm this week.
Uniform rules relaxed
Several schools have also eased uniform requirements during the heatwave. The NAHT school leaders' union has issued guidance to its members on managing the extreme temperatures. General secretary Paul Whiteman commented: "As temperatures continue to rise, school leaders will be thinking carefully about how to keep pupils and staff safe and as comfortable as possible. While there is no legal 'upper limit' for temperature in schools, they will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures."
He added: "For most, this will mean making straightforward adjustments such as limiting the time spent in the sun during breaks, ensuring additional water is available, making adjustments to uniform expectations where appropriate, and ventilating classrooms as best they can. If, as it appears, warmer summers are going to become the norm, then Government really does need to act more urgently to improve and modernise school buildings, including a focus on ventilation and potentially air conditioning. School buildings need to be conducive to learning all year round."
Government stance
The Department for Education clarified that it typically refrains from recommending school closures during periods of hot weather, citing attendance as "the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential". However, it stressed that school leaders must ensure they take "any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable", while also issuing comprehensive guidance on safeguarding pupil welfare during extreme temperatures.
