There is now a Red weather warning that has been issued for parts of the South West due to extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday of this week (w/c 22 June 2026).
All settings are encouraged to remain open and refer to the latest national guidance and alerts.
In these conditions, please ensure you are taking all reasonable steps to minimise risk, including adapting activities, uniform, reviewing timetables where necessary and maintaining good hydration and cooling measures for children and staff.
Please note school transport service will continue as normal.
Children potentially at greater risk include those aged under 4 years, also child or adults with health conditions or taking certain medications.
For all settings, particular care should be taken to:
- avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day
- ensure babies and young children are kept cool, well hydrated and appropriately dressed
- provide shaded, well-ventilated indoor environments
- monitor children closely for signs of heat exhaustion
Decisions about opening, timetabling, and responding to local conditions remain with headteachers, governors and academy trusts, based on their knowledge of their buildings, communities and risk assessments based on your specific context.
If you have significant concerns or require support, get in touch with the Local Authority. Your contact is Mike Stoneman, interim Deputy Director, Education mike.stoneman@somerset.gov.uk.
