At Bridge School, the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff is our priority. While there is no statutory maximum temperature for schools and the Department for Education does not generally advise school closures during hot weather, we have procedures in place to help keep everyone safe during periods of extreme heat.

What the School Will Do

We subscribe to the Met Office Heat Health Alert service and will respond proportionately depending on the level of alert issued. The measures below may be adapted to reflect local conditions and the needs of individual pupils.

Yellow Alert

During a Yellow Heat Health Alert, we will take sensible precautions to help pupils remain comfortable throughout the school day.

This may include:

  • Encouraging pupils to drink water regularly throughout the day.
  • Reminding children to wear hats when outdoors.
  • Encouraging the use of shaded areas during playtimes and outdoor learning.
  • Monitoring classroom temperatures and maximising ventilation where possible.
  • Adjusting the timing or intensity of physical activity if appropriate.

Amber Alert

An Amber Heat Health Alert indicates that hot weather may begin to affect health, particularly for young children and vulnerable individuals.

In addition to the measures above, we may:

  • Reduce or postpone strenuous outdoor activities, including PE and sports events.
  • Increase the frequency of water breaks.
  • Adapt breaktime and lunchtime arrangements to make greater use of shaded or indoor spaces.
  • Relax our uniform expectations, allowing pupils to wear PE T-shirts or plain cotton T-shirts. Parents will be informed if this applies.
  • Check playground equipment and outdoor surfaces before use to ensure they are safe.
  • Monitor pupils who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Red Alert

A Red Heat Health Alert represents exceptional temperatures that pose a significant risk to health.

Alongside all previous measures, we may:

  • Keep pupils indoors during the hottest part of the day where appropriate.
  • Suspend outdoor PE, sports and other strenuous activities.
  • Move learning to cooler areas of the school wherever possible.
  • Further adapt the school day or planned activities to minimise heat exposure.
  • Increase monitoring of pupils and staff for signs of heat-related illness.
  • Communicate any additional arrangements with parents as soon as possible.

All decisions will be based on current guidance, local conditions and the need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

How Parents Can Help

We ask parents and carers to:

  • Apply sunscreen before school each morning.
  • Provide a named sun hat. Non-uniform hats are permitted during hot weather.
  • Ensure children bring a named water bottle to school every day.
  • Send children in cooler clothing if advised by the school during periods of extreme heat.
  • Reinforce the importance of drinking water regularly and staying in shaded areas where possible.

Recognising Heat-Related Illness

Hot weather can affect children differently. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:

  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hot, red skin
  • Confusion or unusual behaviour

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Signs may include:

  • A very high temperature
  • Hot, red skin
  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat
  • Confusion or loss of coordination
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness

If a child becomes unwell at school, staff will take immediate action to cool them down, encourage fluids and contact parents if necessary. Emergency medical assistance will be sought where required.