Bedford Borough Council has said they have not issued blanket advice to schools to close ahead of next week’s forecast heatwave.
The Met Office is currently predicting temperatures could reach 37ºC on Monday (18 July) and 39ºC on Tuesday (19 July).
It’s the first time they’ve issued an ‘extreme’ weather warning for temperatures.
⚠️⚠️ Red Extreme heat warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Parts of England on Monday and Tuesday
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMg9c70
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/YHaYvaGh95
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 15, 2022
Rumours have been circulating on social media with individuals, and at least one business, claiming that they’d been told, “all schools are closing”.
Concerned parents have responded saying the closure would have impacted their own jobs when many are themselves getting ready for a break from work.
In a statement to the Bedford Independent, a Bedford Borough Council spokesperson confirmed that “in the advice we sent out, we didn’t suggest closing schools.”
Instead, both Bedford Borough’s local education authority has reiterated the Department of Education’s advice.
Protecting children outdoors
During periods of high temperature, the following steps should be taken:
- children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are in excess of 30°C
- encourage children playing outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible
children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims to avoid sunburn - use sunscreen (at least factor 15 with UVA protection) to protect skin if children are playing or taking lessons outdoors for more than 20 minutes
- provide children with plenty of water (such as water from a cold tap) and encourage them to drink more than usual when conditions are hot
Protecting children indoors
During periods of high temperature, the following steps should be taken:
- open windows as early as possible in the morning before children arrive, or preferably overnight to allow stored heat to escape from the building – it is important to check insurance conditions and the need for security if windows are to be left open overnight
- almost close windows when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation
- use outdoor sun awnings if available, or close indoor blinds or curtains, but do not let them block window ventilation
- keep the use of electric lighting to a minimum
- switch off all electrical equipment, including computers, monitors and printers when not in use – equipment should not be left in ‘standby mode’ as this generates heat
if possible, use those classrooms or other spaces which are less likely to overheat, and adjust the layout of teaching spaces to avoid direct sunlight on children - oscillating 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 may worsen dehydration
- if necessary, consider rearranging school start, finish, and play times to avoid teaching during very hot conditions
- encourage children to eat normally and drink plenty of cool water
For further information on reducing temperatures within school buildings and grounds see UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Heatwave Plan for England.
Some schools are closing
Some schools have made a local decision to close, with Bedford Borough Council saying a school or governor can make that decision without their local authority’s permission.
At present, it is understood BILLT Multi Academy Trust schools: Greys Education Centre, The Grange and St John’s have opted to close.
Some parents though have expressed concern about the weather forecast and believe all schools should close.
Bedford Borough SEND stories, a campaign group in the Borough, tweeted their concerns earlier today.
Anyones childs school closing during next weeks high temperature forecast? Surely, the expectation to attend school without air con, or even fans, is unreasonable? No doubt every EWO will expect children in, and punish if not, while they sit in their cool office…. #healthrisk pic.twitter.com/jDZ4cRs0d7
— Bedford Borough SEND stories (@BB_Send_Stories) July 15, 2022
Another parent commented, “It’s going to be far too hot for children to be inside. Especially since some schools have no fans or air conditioning.
“You wouldn’t leave your children in a hot car so why leave them in an airless, overheated classroom.”
Parents are advised to speak to their children’s school directly, or look out for emails through their school’s parent portals, to find out if there are plans to close.
Parents and also advised not to post rumours on social media or share unverified social media posts.
