Amber Heat Warning Issued as Temperatures Soar to 38C
The Met Office has issued an extreme amber heat warning valid from Monday, June 22 until Thursday, June 25, with temperatures forecast to reach a maximum of 38C on Monday and Tuesday. Separate amber heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night.
No Legal Maximum Temperature for Classrooms
There is no legal maximum temperature that dictates what people can work or study in. Current Department for Education (DfE) guidance states that schools should remain open during hot weather, arguing that regular attendance gives pupils the best opportunity to learn.
However, teachers, unions, schools, and parents have raised concerns over classroom temperatures during increasingly hot summers. A deputy head of a London secondary school told the i newspaper: "During the hottest days, teachers can barely teach, let alone students learn. My staff say it’s really hard to function properly."
Pressure Mounts for Maximum Temperature Limit
Both the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have backed calls for a maximum temperature limit in classrooms. The DfE has confirmed it is "carefully considering" the proposals. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the challenges, saying periods of extreme heat can make conditions difficult for teachers and staff and may affect children's ability to learn.
Schools Take Precautionary Measures
Some schools are already taking action. Students are advised to bring refillable water bottles and hats, and apply sunscreen before school. One school in Wiltshire has relaxed its uniform policy, allowing students to wear uniform without jumpers and ties or PE kit instead. Whitchurch High School told WalesOnline it is putting "sensible arrangements in place to help students remain safe and comfortable."
Campaigners have warned about the impact of heatwaves on schools, with reports of heat exhaustion and fainting among students in recent years.
