The Met Office and UKHSA have issued heat-related alerts for parts of the country and Somerset schools are encouraged to review their arrangements for managing periods of hot weather.
While high temperatures can affect anyone, some children and young people may be particularly vulnerable, including those with complex medical needs, underlying health conditions, difficulties regulating body temperature, or conditions that may be exacerbated by heat.
There is currently no legal maximum temperature for schools or workplaces. The expectation is that schools assess the risks presented by the conditions and implement reasonable and proportionate control measures to protect pupils, staff and visitors. Somerset Council guidance similarly emphasises risk assessment, planning and practical controls rather than automatic closure.
Practical Measures Schools Should Consider
Schools may wish to:
- Encourage regular hydration and ensure drinking water is readily available.
- Reduce or suspend strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Make use of shaded areas where available.
- Close blinds and curtains in sun-facing rooms.
- Increase ventilation where appropriate.
- Consider relaxed uniform arrangements where this aligns with school policy.
- Move activities to cooler parts of the building where feasible.
- Monitor pupils and staff who may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.
- Review educational visits, residentials and outdoor events in light of forecast conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is there a legal maximum temperature for schools?
A: No. There is currently no legal maximum temperature for educational settings or workplaces in the UK. Schools are expected to assess the risks associated with high temperatures and implement suitable control measures to protect pupils, staff and visitors.
Q: Should schools automatically close during a heatwave?
A: No. Neither national guidance nor Somerset Council guidance requires schools to close automatically because of hot weather. Decisions should be based on local circumstances, including building conditions, classroom temperatures, pupil needs and the effectiveness of available control measures.
Q: Can a school close early if temperatures become excessive?
A: In exceptional circumstances, schools may determine that risks cannot be adequately controlled and may consider measures such as adapting the school day, partial closure, or temporary closure. These decisions should be based on a documented local risk assessment and the specific circumstances within the school. Decisions regarding closure remain the responsibility of the Headteacher and Governing body in accordance with the school’s usual procedures and business continuity arrangements.
Q: Should schools cancel sports days, outdoor events or educational visits/residentials?
A: Not necessarily. Schools should review each activity individually and consider the forecast temperatures, availability of shade, access to drinking water, age and needs of participants, physical demands of the activity, emergency arrangements and supervision levels. For residentials these require particular consideration because participants may be exposed to heat throughout the day and overnight. Schools should review the sleeping accommodation and ventilation, opportunities for cooling overnight, planned activities, medical needs of participants and the availability of alternative arrangements should conditions deteriorate.
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled, postponement of a residential may be the most appropriate option. This is particularly relevant for younger children and groups that include vulnerable participants.
