Severe Weather
During periods of severe weather, such as flooding, snow, ice or extreme heat, we review our risk assessments and carefully consider any potential impact on the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors. We will take appropriate action to reduce risks and will communicate any changes to the school day, including closures or alterations to arrangements, as promptly as possible via our usual communication channels.
Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, we communicate with parents with regards to specific measures. In addition to our hot weather guidance to:
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Apply sunblock or broad-band sunscreens with high sun protection factors of at least SPF 30 prior to the children coming to school.
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Bring/wear a sunhat
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Bring a fresh, full water bottle to school each day (this can be re-filled at school during the day.)
We may also take the following measures:
Protecting children indoors
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Opening windows early in the morning to allow stored heat to escape from the building
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Using oscillating mechanical fans in each classroom to increase air movement
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Ensuring there is cross-ventilation
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Closing some windows during the day when it is hotter outside than inside whilst also maintaining ventilation.
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Shading sun-facing windows and closing indoor blinds to keep the heat out
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Switching off all electrical equipment whilst not in use
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Rotating use of the ICT suite, which is air-conditioned and adjusting the layout of teaching spaces to avoid direct sunlight on children.
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Encouraging children to eat normally and drink plenty of water
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Monitoring children for heat-related illnesses such as mild heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Protecting children outdoors
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Ensuring children do not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days.
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Encouraging children outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible.
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Encouraging children to drink more water than usual in hot weather.
For advice on keeping cool at home, please see the UKHSA’s Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist from the Beat the heat: hot weather advice
A reminder also about water safety:
- Stop and Think: Spot potential hazards like cold water shock, hidden currents, weirs, or sudden depth changes in rivers and seas.
- Stay Together: Never swim alone or enter coastal/inland water environments without adult supervision.
- Float to Live: If caught in a current or experiencing cold shock, tilt your head back, submerge your ears, extend your limbs, and float to control breathing.
- Call 999: Know how to alert emergency services (and ask for the Coastguard if at the sea, or Fire and Rescue if inland) without jumping in to rescue others.