With Wales facing an unprecedented spell of extreme heat, many parents are asking whether schools could be forced to close as temperatures are forecast to climb close to 40C.
The question comes after the Met Office issued a red warning for parts of Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of an exceptional period of hot and humid weather that could see temperatures exceeding 37C and potentially reaching between 38C and 40C in some locations.
An amber warning remains in place for Tuesday before conditions intensify later in the week.
The Met Office has warned that significant disruption to daily life is likely, with high humidity and exceptionally warm overnight temperatures reducing people’s ability to recover from the heat.
Will schools close?
Current government guidance suggests that schools are not expected to close simply because of hot weather.
The Government states that school attendance remains the best way for children to learn and reach their potential, and that hot weather can usually be managed safely through appropriate precautions.
Instead of closures, school leaders are expected to take steps to ensure pupils remain safe and comfortable during periods of extreme heat. Schools are encouraged to use official heat-health alerts and guidance to help inform decisions.
Could uniform rules be relaxed?
Schools may choose to relax uniform requirements during hot weather.
Guidance advises that children should wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to help them stay cool, while wide-brimmed sun hats can provide additional protection outdoors.
Pupils should also be encouraged to stay in shaded areas wherever possible and use high-factor sunscreen when outside.
Schools may also allow children to remove blazers and jumpers to improve comfort during the hottest parts of the day.
Changes to school activities
Schools are also being encouraged to adapt lessons and activities during periods of extreme heat.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days. Instead, schools are advised to consider more sedentary classroom-based activities where appropriate.
Children at greater risk
The Government has highlighted that children can be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults and has issued guidance to schools and early years settings on how to keep pupils safe.
The UK Health Security Agency has published updated advice to help schools manage the risks associated with extreme temperatures.
One of the biggest concerns is heatstroke, which is a medical emergency and can develop from heat exhaustion.
Symptoms can include:
- Confusion or lack of coordination
- Seizures or fits
- Loss of consciousness
- A body temperature of 40C or above
- Red, hot skin that may be sweaty or dry
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Diarrhoea
If heatstroke is suspected, emergency services should be called immediately by dialling 999 while steps are taken to cool the child down.
The guidance also states that if a child loses consciousness or has a fit, they should be placed in the recovery position and emergency services contacted straight away.
Schools expected to remain open
While the red weather warning highlights the seriousness of the conditions expected later this week, current guidance indicates that schools in Wales are expected to remain open, with measures put in place to help pupils and staff cope safely with the extreme temperatures.
However, schools will continue to monitor conditions closely and may adapt their routines, activities and uniform policies to protect pupils as Wales experiences what could be one of the hottest periods ever recorded.
