9 hours ago
Schools cancel sports day because it is too warm
Parents have accused teachers of 'turning kids soft' after a number of schools cancelled sports days, blaming soaring temperatures.
Britain is in the grip of its first heatwave of the year, with Saturday expected to join the hottest June days on record as temperatures reach 32C. An amber heat-health alert for all regions in England is in place for the whole of the weekend.
The Grange School in Aylesbury, Bucks, called off its sports day on Thursday as a result of the heat, stating that 'the level of risk was too high for both competitors and spectators'.
Meanwhile, Sidmouth CofE primary school in Devon cancelled its sports day on Friday, blaming high ultra-violet (UV) levels.
Alex Spraggon, its headteacher, said in a letter to parents sent at 6.30am on Friday that the safety and wellbeing of those involved in the event would always come first.
'Our decision comes after considering the latest adverse weather forecast from the Met Office, who forecast 'very high' UV this afternoon, and based on guidance from the UK Health Security Agency.
'The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families always come first.
'The forecast indicates conditions that could potentially compromise outdoor activities, and in accordance with the UKHSA's recommendations, we believe it is in everyone's best interest to postpone the event.
'Although we all look forward to the excitement and community spirit brought by Sports Day, we must prioritise creating a safe environment for our children and all who attend to support.'
But residents took to social media to voice their outrage at the situation, accusing the school of making children 'scared of the sun'.
'Embarrassing decision,' the resident wrote on the local Facebook group. 'Summer is for sports, if planned properly kids would be fine! Would of been cancelled for a bit of drizzle as would of slippy [sic].
'[It's] making the kids scared of the sun. Sounds like you work for the Government. Schools have a lot to answer for making our kids turning out so soft.'
Over the past three days, there have been warnings of high and very high ultra-violet levels.
Although UV is beneficial in small amounts, enabling our skin to produce essential vitamin D and having a beneficial effect on bones, blood cells and the immune system, high levels of exposure increases the risk of sunburn and with it skin cancer.
Prof Dorothy Bennet, from St George's, University of London, told the BBC: 'Every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer.
'Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK, the ongoing rise being attributed to sunbathing.'
On Friday, the Mayor of London issued a high pollution alert as a result of the ongoing heatwave.
Sir Sadiq Khan wrote on X: 'City Hall has triggered a high air pollution alert for Saturday 21 June as hot weather is expected to increase pollutant levels.
'We're urging Londoners to look after themselves, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste.'
A spokesman for City Hall said the hot weather was expected to create 'high' ozone levels as the strong and prolonged heat and sunshine reacts with any present pollution.
Mete Coban, the deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: 'London's toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, including launching the world's largest clean air zone.
'This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.'
Scattered thunderstorms are set to mix with continued high temperatures on Saturday.
A yellow thunderstorm weather warning covering all of northern England, from Nottingham up to above Newcastle, will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday.
