Can you keep your kids off school or refuse to work during a heatwave?

The UK is bracing for extreme heat as the Met Office issued a rare red warning for much of England and Wales, with temperatures predicted to soar to 40C by Wednesday and Thursday. The warning is in effect from Wednesday morning until Thursday evening for central, southern, and southeastern England, along with parts of south Wales. In response to the severe weather, several schools in the affected areas have announced early closures or complete shutdowns for the duration of the heatwave. While there is no legal mandate for school closures based on temperature, the government emphasizes the importance of keeping children in school. However, teaching unions have recommended that schools strive to maintain indoor temperatures at a maximum of 26C. School leaders are closely monitoring temperatures and assessing risks, paying particular attention to students who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Decisions to close a school require consultation with the chair of governors and the relevant academy trust or employer. To mitigate the effects of the heat, schools are considering relaxing uniform policies, allowing students to wear PE kits instead. Adjusting start and finish times to avoid the peak heat is also an option. Lessons may be relocated to cooler parts of the school, and the Department of Health and Social Care advises against vigorous physical activity for children during extreme heat, suggesting more sedentary alternatives for PE lessons. CO2 monitors can be used to ensure adequate ventilation. The UK Health Security Agency recommends closing windows later in the day if outside temperatures exceed indoor levels and advises against using fans if temperatures surpass 35C. Teaching unions acknowledge the challenges schools face in keeping students and staff comfortable but stress their commitment to creative solutions. They are calling for government investment to make school buildings more resilient to extreme weather conditions. Parents are advised to ensure children wear loose, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed sunhats, and high-SPF sunscreen. Schools will likely encourage students to bring their own sunscreen for reapplication throughout the day.