There are several ways that schools
can make changes to keep children safe in hot weather, especially
as children are more at risk of becoming ill with heat-related
issues than adults.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
has published updated guidance for schools and early years settings
to help
them.
Here we recap the key points you need
to know about how schools should manage hot
weather.
Do schools close in hot
weather?
During hot weather, we don't normally
advise schools to close.
This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach
their potential, and hot
weather can usually be managed
safely.
School leaders should make sure they
take any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and
comfortable.
What are the rules for uniform
in hot weather?
Schools could consider relaxing
uniform rules during hot weather to make sure pupils are
comfortable.
Children should wear loose,
light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide
brims. When outdoors, encourage children to stay in the shade as
much as possible.
Sunscreen with high sun protection
factors should be used to protect
skin.
Teachers should also encourage
children to take off their blazers and
jumpers.
What activities are
appropriate in hot weather?
The Department of Health and Social
Care (DHSC) recommends children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very
hot days. Lessons can be adapted for hot weather when sedentary
activities are more appropriate.
What other adjustments can
schools make in hot weather?
If possible, open classroom doors as
well as windows to encourage cross ventilation in the single
sided classrooms.
Windows should be opened as early as
possible in the morning before children arrive, or preferably
overnight to allow stored heat to escape from the building
(checking insurance conditions and need for security if windows
are to be left open overnight).
Windows should be closed when the
outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should
help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation.
Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed where possible but should
not block ventilation, CO2 monitors can be used to keep a check
on ventilation.
Electric lighting should be kept to a
minimum and equipment should not be left in ‘standby mode', as
this generates heat. Mechanical fans can be used to increase air
movement if temperatures are below 35°C – at temperatures above
35°C fans may not prevent heat-related illness and could worsen
dehydration.
Provide and encourage children to
drink more water than usual in hot
weather.
Teachers and other educational
professionals who manage or work in schools or early years
settings should sign up to receive Weather-Heath Alerts from the
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office by
using this form.
What are the signs of heat
related medical conditions in
children?
If sensible precautions are taken,
children are unlikely to be seriously affected by hot conditions
but teachers, assistants, school nurses and all child carers
should look out for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and
heatstroke.
Symptoms of heat
stress:
-
Children may seem out of character
or show signs of discomfort and irritability (including those
listed below for heat
exhaustion).
-
These signs will worsen with
physical activity.
-
For children and young people who
use nappies, dark urine or dry nappies may indicate dehydration
and the need for more fluids.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
may include:
-
tiredness
-
dizziness
-
headache
-
nausea
-
vomiting
-
excessive sweating and pale, clammy
skin
To cool a child suffering from
heat exhaustion:
-
move the child to a cool area and
encourage them to drink cool water
-
cool the child as rapidly as
possible, for example, by sponging or spraying the child with
cool water and placing cold packs around the neck and armpits,
or wrapping the child in a cool, wet sheet and assist cooling
with a fan
If you are concerned about symptoms,
or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS
111.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke
and is a medical emergency.
Symptoms of heatstroke may
include:
-
confusion or lack of
co-ordination
-
seizures
(fits)
-
loss of
consciousness
-
high body temperature – a
temperature of or above 40°C
(104°F)
-
red, hot skin that can be sweaty or
dry
-
fast
heartbeat
-
fast shallow
breathing
-
diarrhoea
If heatstroke is suspected, call 999
and then cool the child down whilst awaiting medical
assistance.
If a child loses
consciousness, or has a fit:
-
Place the child in the recovery
position.
-
Call 999 immediately and follow
their instructions.
For more information on heat related
illnesses visit the UKHSA's website.
