11 hours ago
When is it too hot for a child to be at school?
The UK has recorded the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures predicted to hit 34C this weekend.
It's common to feel lethargic and uncomfortable in hot weather, which makes focusing difficult for adults and children alike.
Many schools, like some workplaces, don't have air conditioning and combined with restrictive school uniforms, it can make learning an uncomfortable experience.
But is there a hard and fast rule on when it's too hot for schools to open – or a legal temperature? And what steps do schools have to take to keep children safe in the heat?
Here's what you need to know.
In short, no. There's no legal maximum temperature for schools to operate in the UK, meaning they don't have to close during a heatwave. The government's position is to keep schools open where possible.
"During hot weather, we don't normally advise schools to close," the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says. "School attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely."
However, headteachers and school staff can take action to keep pupils as comfortable and safe as possible. This could mean relaxing certain rules or changing the schedule for the day.
UKHSA guidance on how schools should manage hot weather and heatwaves, says they should consider relaxing their school uniform policy.
This means encouraging children to remove blazers, jumpers and any unnecessary layers. They might also suggest pupils wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to help keep them cooler. The guidance also advises children wear sun hats with wide brims for outdoor play.
Sunscreen should be used regularly, and children should be encouraged to spend time in the shade if they're outdoors.
As tempting as it is to let children run off their energy during playtime, vigorous physical activity should be avoided on very hot days, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
This includes PE lessons and outdoor sports.
Instead, teachers are advised to adapt lessons for more sedentary indoor activities. These should take place in the coolest parts of the school building where possible.
While most UK schools don't have air conditioning, there are still ways to keep classrooms cooler.
Windows should be opened early in the morning or overnight (if safe to do so) to let stored heat escape before the day heats up.
Once the outside air is warmer than the air inside, windows should be closed and blinds drawn to keep the sun out, but not at the expense of airflow. Cross-ventilation through doors and windows is encouraged when it can be done safely.
Schools are also advised to limit the use of electrical equipment, as lights and devices left on standby give off extra heat. Fans can be used to move air around the room, but only if the temperature is below 35°C. Above that, fans may worsen dehydration.
Children should be encouraged to drink more water than usual, with staff reminding pupils to take regular sips throughout the day.
Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults, and teachers and staff should be watching for symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Early signs might include a change in behaviour, discomfort, tiredness, or irritability. Children in nappies may show signs of dehydration through fewer wet nappies or darker urine.
More serious signs of heat exhaustion include:
dizziness
headache
nausea or vomiting
pale, clammy skin
excessive sweating
confusion or fatigue
If a child is affected, they should be moved to a cool area, encouraged to drink water, and cooled down using damp cloths, fans, or cold packs placed around the neck and armpits. If symptoms don't improve or worsen, call NHS 111 for advice.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention.
Technically, parents must send their child to school unless they're ill or the school authorises the absence.
Unfortunately, simply blaming the heat isn't usually enough. Any absence without proper authorisation counts as an unauthorised absence, which can trigger a penalty notice if your child misses too much school – currently fines are up to £80 per parent (which will increase to £160 if not paid within 21 days) if issued by the local authority.
That said, schools can potentially exercise flexibility on hot days, like offering remote learning, moving classes to cooler spaces, or allowing early pick‑ups. The main thing is that parents communicate with the school.
If heat is genuinely affecting your child, the best move is to contact the school directly and explain the situation.
It's natural to feel concerned about your child's safety in school during hot weather. The government encourages teachers and childcare providers to sign up for Weather-Health Alerts from the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, which can help schools plan ahead.
But day-to-day, it's up to schools to use their judgement. That might mean adjusting uniforms, tweaking lesson plans, or simply giving children more time indoors to cool down.
If you're ever in doubt, reach out to your school and ask what measures they've put in place.
Read more about education:
Should schools relax school uniform rules during hot weather? (Birmingham Live, 2-min read)
This Heatwave Hack For The School Pick Up Is Saving Parents A 'Fortune' (HuffPost, 2-min read)
Sainsbury's launches flash school uniform sale, with prices from just £2.40 (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read
