Weather Guidance

Heatwaves and Hot Weather

The Department for Education (DfE) guidance does not set a specific temperature at which schools must close due to hot weather. Instead, schools assess risk and implement practical measures. While partial or full closure could be considered if a severe ‘Red’ heat-health alert were issued by the Government or DfE, this will always be a last resort and a decision not undertaken lightly.

When temperatures rise, the school takes proactive steps to ensure the safety, comfort and wellbeing of all pupils and staff during hot weather and potential heatwaves. In accordance with the latest guidance from the Department for Education and the UK Health Security Agency Hot weather and heatwaves: guidance for schools and other education, the school will implement the procedures set out below to manage the impact of the higher temperatures effectively across the school.

Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults, particularly dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The school’s approach prioritises hydration, shade, ventilation, and activity adjustments to keep everyone safe.

Sun Education

At the start of the summer term, all pupils will have either a lesson or an assembly about the importance of sun safety and how to stay cool.

Classroom Environment

• Fans will be in use in all classrooms
• Windows and doors are opened early in the morning to release trapped heat, and blinds are drawn to reduce direct sunlight without blocking airflow
• Lights and electrical equipment are kept off or on standby to reduce heat generation
• If indoor temperatures become exceptionally high, pupils will be rotated through cooler areas of the school site for short cooling breaks

Uniform and Clothing

• While school uniform will remain in place, children are encouraged to wear summer dresses, uniform shorts, and plain white t-shirts or polo shirts
• Children are encouraged to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses while they are outside
• During exceptionally hot periods, the Principal will inform parents/carers that children may wear PE kit
• Please note that children still need to wear school shoes or trainers to school and are not allowed to wear flip flops or sandals. 

Sun cream

• Children should come to school wearing high-factor sun cream
• Children may bring sun cream to school, but this must not be shared with other children and they must be able to apply sun cream themselves – staff are not permitted to apply sun cream to children

 Hydration 

• All children should have a water bottle at school each day.  The school has six outside drinking fountains that the children have access to at break and lunchtimes, as well as taps in their classrooms to refill these bottles
• Children are reminded to drink water regularly throughout the day

Personal Fans

Pupils may bring a personal handheld fan to school, however, this is at your own risk; school cannot be held responsible for any breakages. The fan must also be cordless and cannot be recharged during the day. Pupils are expected to use these sensibly.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor play and PE will continue, but are likely to be adjusted if temperatures are extreme. This might include: 

• Children eating their packed lunches in their classrooms or under the canopies / shady areas outside
• Time in the sun, especially in the heat of the day, will be reduced
• Shady areas of the school site will be used to allow the children to play outside safely
• PE lessons being adapted so that they are more skills-based and involve less physical activity
• After school events and tournaments will be reviewed and may be cancelled or adjusted

Recognising Heat-Related Illness

Staff will be alert to recognise signs of heat stress, exhaustion, and heatstroke. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, or confusion will be treated promptly, and medical advice from a school based first aider will be sought if needed.