Arrangements During Red Weather Alert (Extreme Heat)

Dear Parents and Carers,

Arrangements During Red Weather Alert (Extreme Heat)

I am writing to inform you of our arrangements for the next two days, following the red weather alert (extreme heat warning) affecting our area this week.

After careful consideration, the school will remain open for pupils where parents and carers judge it safest for them to attend. At the same time, we fully respect the decision of families who choose to keep their children at home during this period.

This decision is based on a detailed risk assessment that takes into account the specific circumstances of our school.

We have implemented a range of measures to reduce the impact of high temperatures, including:

• Allowing alternative uniform (PE kit)

• Adapting or cancelling activities such as school trips

• Ensuring ready access to drinking water and encouraging frequent hydration

• Encouraging the use of sun cream

• Using fans and other measures to cool classrooms where possible

• Monitoring pupils with health conditions affected by heat (e.g. diabetes, sickle cell anaemia)

• Moving lessons to cooler areas of the site where possible

Despite these measures, parts of the school remain very hot and uncomfortable. We recognise that pupils will respond differently to these conditions, particularly those with specific health needs.

However, this must be balanced against wider safety considerations, including:

• The challenge for some families in arranging supervision at short notice

• The risk of pupils not staying hydrated or using sun protection when unsupervised

• Increased risks associated with hot weather, including unsafe swimming in open water

We strongly encourage families to be aware of these risks and refer to the following guidance:https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/summer-water-safety

The school will therefore remain open, with transport running as normal and all mitigation measures continuing.

If you choose to keep your child at home on Wednesday and/or Thursday, please report the absence via the usual channels. These absences will be authorised.

If your child attends school, please ensure that they:

• Bring a refillable water bottle

• Apply sun cream before school and bring it to reapply if needed

• Wear PE kit or light, loose clothing (not beachwear) in line with the temporary uniform adjustment Please note this further relaxation of uniform expectations from PE kit to suitable and comfortable alternatives

• Bring a sunhat or cap for outdoor use

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and follow all relevant guidance. Arrangements may change if forecasts or advice are updated, and we will communicate any changes promptly.

Thank you for your continued support as we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs E Pole

Headteacher