UK Schools Prepare for 38 °C Heat as Met Office Issues Amber Warnings

The Met Office issued Amber Extreme Heat Warnings for Monday through Thursday as temperatures are forecast to reach 38 °C on Tuesday and Wednesday. The warnings cover large parts of England and Wales. Whitchurch High School in Wales told parents that parts of the country will reach 35 °C and advised students to bring refillable water bottles, drink regularly, wear caps or hats outdoors, and apply sunscreen before school.

Sheldon School in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is relaxing its uniform policy from Monday, allowing full PE kit or uniform without tie or jumper, including grey shorts or skirts. Sheldon School also told students to bring water bottles and sun protection and to spend break times in shady spots.

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, has replaced black asphalt playgrounds with artificial turf, refurbished the roof, and installed air conditioning in half the school.

Teacher Lucio Poli at Ely St John’s Community Primary School in Cambridgeshire said the 1990s building has west-facing windows and black tiles that make it difficult to keep heat out. ” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson refused to rule out introducing a maximum temperature limit for schools in early June.

The Climate Change Committee and Trades Union Congress both recommend a maximum temperature limit for schools.

The Independent reported that unions and other bodies are campaigning for such limits to become more common during heatwaves.