To think schools should shut in 30' heat

[dragonflyglaze]

I'm a TA in an Infant School in the South East, we break up next Thurs. This week has been tough, the little ones can't cope in the heat and as much as we try and keep them indoors, hydrated etc some of them are just not coping. Never mind the staff who are doing their best to support the children whilst slowly melting.
Next week we are forecast to hit 30' and there's an extreme weather warning. We have to close if its too cold e.g. heating not working, or too windy. I can't understand why there's no rule for extreme heat.

DC with sensory issues have really struggled. I definitely think there should be a maximum temp and close if it reaches it.

Its ridiculous for some replies to scoff and say Europe doesn't close down. Our buildings are totally different, less ventilation, materials etc..

It's a safeguarding issue essentially

Until then, please appreciate that the 'schools aren't childcare' argument is bs.

I said it was interesting to see the schools only as childcare argument. Usually there is some interest in education taking place.

Schools are primarily educational establishments. They're not designed as childcare (see the hours which are useless for anyone working full time). If, in this instance, parents are only interested in them remaining open as childcare during these extreme heat warnings, then as I said, what is the point in keeping secondaries open?

And if people not only want secondaries to remain open but also education to take place, then....air con?

I asked my neighbour (who grew up here in the USA) about going to school before schools had air conditioning. She said it was miserable and they spent all day making paper fans and not getting anything done. I guess the good old days were actually not so good.

as for “third world” countries we also don’t have 50 children to a class and no textbooks. I agree that it may not be worth installing air conditioning when the UK gets so few hot days a year. But if it’s really extreme like it’s predicted to be, something has to give. Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It kills people.

UK needs to get proper summer uniforms in place (or at least put the kids in PE kits). Heads who insist on jumpers and blazers need to take a look at themselves; I'd go beserk if that was pushed on my child.

We need to find ways to mitigate the effects of heat while keeping schools open at all costs. Kids CANNOT lose any more learning; the COVID closures had an appalling effect. School is not an optional extra.

It's also interesting to see so many posters being open about the fact that they only care that primary schools are open for childcare on these days and don't mind if they spend the day having a water fight and eating ice lollies.

Why is that being put forward as the alternative? Children have breaks - here we call it recess and lunch. This is where kids have water fights. If they want an ice block and have canteen money that day, they buy one from the canteen at lunch and have it. Our kids don’t spend the day not learning but having water fights and sucking on ice blocks for goodness sake, they do these things at the appropriate times.

In my day it was a chance for kids to learn how to best manage it and I fondly remember water fights and going into class soaked. It’s this sort of thing where kids work out solutions to a problem. The issue now is little John’s mum will be up at the school raging that little Jane threw some water on John, who is now damaged beyond repair for life and what is the school doing about this bullying. The kids don’t get a chance to work out throwing water on each other = keeping cool while running around the playground in the heat and going back into class nice and cool for the next two hours while the water evaporates off.

The issue is school building and realistically parents can't afford to take time off work because it's hot. Adequate cooling needs to be provided but I totally agree when it comes to the welfare of children.

"I am thinking about keeping children safe, happy and comfortable"

I seem to remember the last few years the clamour to keep schools open for mental health and life opportunities etc.

Let's keep some perspective. Children are at very very low risk from the heat. Any discomfort is mild. They are more likely to get hit by a bus on the way to school than suffer serious health effects.

Stop cowering in fear and get a grip 😉

Yes, a massive shock!

I was replying to a message about schools in Europe.

I have a chronic illness which is made much worse by the heat, I do not want to teach in a classroom that reaches 30 degrees regardless of windows being open, I have no idea what the temperature indoors will be like on Monday or Tuesday

I also don’t want the school to close

That’s not extreme heat, and it’s not going to be that hot everywhere. The whole countries not going to stop …

“Let's keep some perspective. Children are at very very low risk from the heat. Any discomfort is mild. They are more likely to get hit by a bus on the way to school than suffer serious health effects.”

but that’s not true - all Primary schools will have reception - some a nursery class. Under 5s very much do need to be considered because little ones can’t regulate their temperatures in the same way.

advice from UKHSA:
Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat.

I’m not arguing for schools to close but rather investment so that the buildings are more appropriate and conducive for learning in higher temperatures.

This isn't just aimed you, as several posters have said similar. For all those saying it's not extreme heat, just how hot would it have to be for you to consider it extremely hot?

The Met Office has issued an EXTREME HEAT warning 🙄

What on earth would you consider extreme heat if not 36 degrees?

Why is that being put forward as the alternative?

Read the thread. It is full of parents arguing that while schools need to remain open, proper lessons shouldn't be going ahead, rather the day should be focused on keeping children well in the heat. It's generally acknowledged that classrooms will be too hot for learning (and also that parents should be allowed, without penalty, to remove their children).

If you would like to convince these parents that actually yes, their kids should be in a classroom learning maths during an extreme heat weather warning, go ahead. You might need to explain how that will be possible.

What happens to the lessons missed? When will they be caught up on?

'Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat."

Yes but it's well established by now that I'll health is mild unless you are hospitalised and as long as they have had their hydration they have nothing to worry about.....we must learn to live with heat!

If you would like to convince these parents that actually yes, their kids should be in a classroom learning maths during an extreme heat weather warning, go ahead. You might need to explain how that will be possible.

As that particular poster appears to live in Australia I think she is much more aware that actually it is possible than anyone living in the UK.

As I said, she needs to explain how it is possible. I'm interested in hearing how to motive children who cannot concentrate.

If it’s one thing that becomes more obvious comparing Aus and U.K. and continent is how much society is tied in to school and vice versa

Aus can get very hot we had normal hours, similar holiday set up to U.K. as that’s what was inherited. It hasn’t been altered because society too is set up like U.K. - working hours etc

And yes a lot of what is mentioned on here wasn’t used - just hat, sunscreen and tshirt campaign

When suggestions come re change hours people forget the reality of the impact on working hours

I think the issue is many modern school classrooms have large expanses of windows but particularly on second floors, the windows open a crack.
A couple of weeks ago the classroom in the primary I work in hit 34 degrees, this week is been 32. No fans provided, water from the taps was warm and no outside space that provided shelter.
At the very least, schools should provide some fans for these very hot occasions, and maybe lower expectations of what is taught.
Having worked all winter with windows open, I preferred the cold to this heat. At least the children could wear layers and coats. Some girls, due to culteral reasons are wearing leggings and long sleeve tops under their summer dresses. They look unwell.

I've been in Australian schools and they are built for the weather. Big opening windows with shutters, lots I saw were one storey high and loads of shade outside. So at least can have ventilation - I'd just love a window that opens. It's 31 already at 8.20am. Some concessions as to hours and some ventilation- we've been harping on about that because of covid so might solve both problems long term. Can't wait until next week 🥵

I can’t remember re windows opening but if it’s extremely hot outside I’m not sure it helps that much

It’s often hotter inside than it is outside.

Certainly is in my room !