London heat wave: Schools ‘not being told to close’, says government

Temperatures could reach 41C next week in London as the heat wave continues to spread across the UK, with the Met Office displays a red warning for extreme weather.

Downing Street is treating it as a national emergency, with meetings going on over the weekend to monitor the situation and discuss response.

Despite the warning from the Met Office, the government has confirmed that its position has not changed and that schools should not be closed due to the weather.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said: “Clear government guidelines are available online to assist school staff in caring for children in hot weather, including using ventilation, keeping children hydrated and avoiding strenuous physical activity. for students.

“Individual school leaders are responsible for managing their own local conditions, but we are not advising schools to close.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Care has also issued guidelines for schools and institutions for young children during the warm weather.

Schools are advised to rearrange school start, end and play times to avoid teaching on days with very hot conditions.

Classes are also recommended to be well ventilated and children are encouraged to drink plenty of water.

Schools are also advised not to allow outdoor physical activity on days with temperatures above 30 degrees.

dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Heat warnings have now been issued across most of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high over the weekend and early next week.

“It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and seek shade whenever possible when the UV rays are strongest, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbors, make sure they know how to protect themselves from the hot weather.”