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 are some important points to support settings during hot weather.
What is 'hot weather'?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office provide Heat-Health Alerts during periods of hot weather. These help schools and early years settings to determine appropriate actions to manage heat.
Yellow Alerts indicate possible health risks to the most vulnerable, so schools and early years settings should consider actions to manage heat for those most at risk.
Amber Alerts indicate possible health risks to the wider population, so schools and early years settings should consider actions to manage heat for all pupils and staff as well as for the most vulnerable.
Red Alerts indicate possible significant health risks to the wider population, so schools and early years settings should review actions to manage heat for all pupils and staff.
Sign up to Heat-Health Alerts
Teachers and other educational professionals who manage or work in schools or early years settings can sign up to receive Heat-Heath Alerts using this form.
This will help settings take early action to protect children and staff, during periods of hot weather, as well as allowing senior leaders to make informed decisions on any changes they may seem appropriate.
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, and the heat-health alerts can guide this.
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. Schools are encouraged to adapt lessons for hot weather when sedentary activities are more appropriate.
What other adjustments can schools make in hot weather?
Ventilate.
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).
Keep the heat out.
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.
Reduce unnecessary heat.
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.
Hydrate.
Provide and encourage children to drink more water than usual in hot weather.
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.