Britain is facing another heatwave, raising concerns for children who might be left sweltering at school.
The blistering heat is expected to last until at least Thursday after the Met Office issued a four-day extreme weather warning across large parts of England and Wales.
Forecasters have said there is ‘growing confidence’ this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Many schools in the UK are not equipped to deal with such high temperatures, with buildings often designed to keep heat in during the winter.
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Despite worry from parents that students could become unwell this week, it doesn’t appear that schools have announced plans to close.
The website for the Department for Education (DfE) reads: ‘During hot weather, we don’t normally advise schools to close.
‘This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.’
However, some parents and organisations are rallying to set a maximum temperature limit for schools.
What precautions are schools taking?
Some UK schools have been asking parents and students to take precautions ahead of the sweltering week.
Many schools are asking pupils to bring refillable water bottles, caps to wear outside, and sunscreen.
Some schools are allowing pupils to wear their regular uniform without a jumper and tie.
Other schools are allowing students to wear PE kits or ditch their uniforms altogether.
How can I keep my child cool in a heatwave?
The NHS recommends staying indoors at peak sun times, between 11 am and 3 pm.
If children have been out in the sun, parents should look out for any signs of dehydration, heat stroke, or sunburn in the evening.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much salt and water, causing you to feel unwell.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
If it turns into heat stroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
According to the NHS, symptoms include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
What is heat stroke?
This is when the body can no longer cool itself down, resulting in your body temperature becoming higher than usual.
Heat stroke is different to sun stroke and is a result of exposure to hot weather rather than specifically exposure to the sun.
Heat stroke can be very dangerous as it puts pressure on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. It can be life-threatening too.
According to the NHS, symptoms include:
- Feeling confused
- No sweating
- Temperature over 40C
- Dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Losing consciousness or seizures or convulsions
The NHS advises anyone experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms to cool down by using ice packs on the skin, drinking plenty of water and ideally lying down in a cool place with their feet slightly elevated.
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