The NASUWT teaching union has set out the conditions under which UK schools should consider closing as a potentially deadly heatwave pushes temperatures above 38°C. The union emphasised that the Met Office warning system is key, with a Red Alert triggering immediate risk assessments that could lead to full or partial closures.
Met Office Issues Amber Warning as Temperatures Soar
The Met Office today issued an extreme amber heat warning from Monday through Thursday, with temperatures expected to exceed 38°C in parts of the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of significant pressures on health and social care services, a rise in fatalities, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing conditions, and increased water safety incidents.
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 above 20°C, known as Tropical Nights, will make it hard for people to recover from daytime heat.
DfE Advises Against General Closures
The Department for Education (DfE) has stated that schools should not generally close during hot weather. In a blog post, the DfE 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."
NASUWT: Red Alert Could Force Closures
However, the NASUWT union warned that if the Met Office upgrades the alert to Red, further action may be necessary. The union stated: "A Met Office Red Alert indicates that it is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. People should avoid travelling where possible and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities."
The union added: "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 take account of travel to and from the site for learners and staff and the potential for disruption to public transport systems later in the day."
Practical Measures for Schools
The DfE advised schools to relax uniform rules, allowing loose, light-coloured clothing and sunhats. Sunscreen with high SPF should be used, and children should be encouraged to remove blazers and jumpers. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) advises that children should avoid strenuous physical activity during extreme heat, with lessons modified to favour stationary activities.
Other adjustments include opening windows early or overnight for cross-ventilation, closing windows when outdoor air becomes warmer than indoor air, using blinds or curtains without blocking ventilation, minimising electric lighting and standby equipment, using fans below 35°C, and encouraging increased water intake.
