The Health and Safety Service has published new Heatwave Guidance for Schools (Info Sheet 87) to help schools prepare for and manage periods of hot weather safely.
The guidance reflects current Department for Education, Met Office and UK Health Security Agency advice and reinforces that there is no legal maximum temperature for schools and no requirement for automatic school closure during a heatwave. Instead, schools should undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implement practical, proportionate control measures to protect pupils, staff and visitors.
The guidance covers:
- Heat Health Alert levels and what they mean for schools
- Practical measures to keep classrooms and learning environments safe
- Managing hydration, outdoor activities and educational visits
- Considerations for vulnerable pupils and special schools
- Transport and residential visit arrangements during hot weather
- Frequently asked questions about school closures, sports days and classroom temperatures
- Actions to consider during Red Heat Health Alerts
Two practical appendices have also been included to support schools:
Appendix 1 – Heatwave Staff Checklist
- A ready-to-use checklist for managers, teachers, support staff, premises managers and visit leaders
- Covers monitoring and planning, pupil welfare, classroom conditions, outdoor activities, vulnerable pupils, staff welfare and premises management
- Can be used to evidence dynamic risk assessment and support decision making during periods of hot weather
Appendix 2 – Heat Illness Symptoms Table
- Quick reference guide to recognising heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- Provides key symptoms to help staff identify when intervention may be required
- Highlights when emergency medical assistance should be sought
