SEVERAL county schools have closed because of the ‘risk to life’ heatwave, as experts shed light on why some shut while others remain open.
Multiple schools have announced full or partial closures across Worcestershire because of the heatwave, including in Worcester, Malvern, Upton, Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich.
Temperatures are expected to reach 40 C, breaking the previous UK temperature record for June.
Ordinarily, the advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urges schools to take practical steps to prevent heat-related illness during periods of hot weather, but not to close.
The agency issued a red health alert for the region, including Worcestershire, as the Met Office issued rare, red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday.
Schools to close in Worcester include Oasis Academy Warndon which took the decision to close from 1pm on Tuesday and to remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday ‘due to the red weather warning with a risk to life’.
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Fort Royal Community Primary School also revealed it will close during the heatwave following a risk assessment review meeting, meaning it will close at 1pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while St Clement’s CE Primary School will close on Wednesday at 1pm.
However, others have remained open or shortened the day. This is because individual headteachers and academy trusts carry out their own risk assessments.
Councillor Dr Dan Boatright-Greene, Cabinet Member for Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We have provided all schools with guidance on managing the exceptional red warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office this week, based on advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Department for Education (DfE).
GUIDANCE: Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene, cabinet member for education, says Worcestershire schools have been provided with guidance over the heatwave (Image: Submitted)
“While responsibility for risk assessments and actions to reduce risk, including changes to school hours, rests with individual schools and their governing bodies, we expect all schools to review their arrangements and take appropriate steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children, young people and staff. Schools are taking a pragmatic approach to reducing risk with any actions tailored to the individual circumstances of each school, recognising that every site, building and pupil population is different.
“We have also met with leaders from our special schools, where there may be a greater need for precautionary measures, particularly for pupils with complex medical needs or those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Additional measures may be required in these schools to reduce risks and support the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
“We are maintaining close contact with schools and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period of extreme heat.”
Can I take my child out of school if it’s too hot?
You cannot legally keep your child at home simply because the weather is hot, unless the school itself chooses to close or offers early collection.
If certain buildings are considered unsafe or unmanageably hot for pupils and staff, the decision can be taken to close the school even though the Department for Education generally advises keeping schools open to prioritise attendance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) spokesperson 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.”
What steps should schools take to keep children safe?
The guidance advises schools to relax uniform policies, allowing children to wear loose, light-coloured clothing and sunhats with wide brims.
Teachers are also encouraged to allow pupils to remove blazers and jumpers.
Outdoor activity should be limited, with the Department of Health and Social Care recommending that children avoid vigorous physical activity on very hot days.
Classroom adjustments include opening windows early to allow stored heat to escape, closing windows once outdoor air becomes hotter than inside, and using indoor blinds to block sunlight.
Unnecessary use of electronic equipment and lighting should be minimised to reduce heat.
Hydration is emphasised, with schools advised to provide and encourage children to drink more water than usual.
Staff are asked to watch for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
