When is it hot enough for schools to close in the UK?

Temperatures have been soaring this week as a heatwave grips the UK.

And it’s only set to get hotter as Brits face temperatures exceeding 40°C.

This would be a new record, with the UK’s current highest temperature of 38.7°C set in July 2019.

Because of the hot weather, the NHS has issued a level three health warning for parts of England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a level 2 heat-health alert warning.

As it gets hotter, you may be wondering if your youngsters could be sent home from their sweltering classrooms.

Here’s what you need to know:

When is it hot enough for schools to close?

Schools follow the same rules as workplaces, which means there is a minimum temperature but no maximum temperature to warrant closure.

There is not currently any law around maximum working temperatures – though the World Health Organisation recommends a maximum temperature of 24°C.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines: “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.”

The HSE says that employers, and also schools, have to provide clean, fresh air as well as keep temperatures at a ‘comfortable level’.

They are also expected to provide adequate shade and deploy special measures when necessary, such as fans or air conditioning.

However, headteachers can make the decision to close a school if they believe pupil and staff safety is at risk during a heatwave.

This happened in 2006 when temperatures reached a record high 36°C in the UK and some schools sent pupils home while others choose to close earlier than normal.

MORE : How to stay cool (and safe) in your car during the heatwave

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