While we had near-constant rain this spring, the rise in temperature over the last week or so is a sign that summer is just around the corner.
The Met Office predicts that it could be one of the hottest on record. That means we could see another heatwave like that in 2022 when temperatures hit 40 degrees, forcing some schools to close and extreme heat to be added to severe weather emergency planning guidance.
This move was no surprise as extreme heat is a cause of major health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Moreover, studies have shown that heat can negatively impact cognitive function, affecting pupils’ ability to concentrate, process information and perform well in assessments.
It is therefore crucial that schools plan ahead for possible heatwaves so they are prepared should temperatures soar.
Here are some straightforward measures senior teams should be thinking about:
1. Plan a heatwave dress code
Many schools may already have a warm-weather code allowing for ties and blazers to be removed, for example. But this could go further, such as allowing pupils (and staff) to wear shorts and polo shirts rather than trousers and smart shirts.
An easy way of doing this might be to allow pupils to wear their PE or games kit during the normal school day.
If a heatwave is forecast, then advance notice that this modified uniform can be worn will ensure everyone is prepared.
You could also allow sunhats, and suggest that sun cream and a bottle of water are included in the dress code as “essential items”.
2. Consider classroom use and your timetable
If there are rooms that become particularly hot during the day, try and change timetabling to avoid them. This may not be a simple change but planning ahead will make it a lot easier.
You could also try starting lessons earlier, perhaps by postponing assemblies or moving them to the afternoon. For some settings, allowing lessons to be conducted remotely after lunch could be an option, too.
3. Facilities protocols
Facilities teams should ensure that windows are opened in the evenings and early mornings to help buildings cool down - and that they are then closed as temperatures start to rise, in order to retain the cooler air.
It could also be worth monitoring air quality (either from local weather reports or websites such as this one for London) because, as temperatures rise, this can deteriorate, posing respiratory risks, especially in urban areas, that may require adjustment to outdoor activities.
4. Consider outdoor areas
It is also important to have a plan for playgrounds and other outdoor areas to ensure their use is safe and sensible. For example:
- Canopies, gazebos and similar are worth investment to create shaded areas for children as playgrounds often become sun traps with little shelter. Schools might even need to insist that younger pupils especially stay in the shade.
- There are specialised heat-reflective paints that can be used on playground surfaces as in this example from the US.
- During break times, sprinklers or misting systems can be added to hosepipes so that the children can cool off.
5. Plan ahead to prepare school buildings for future heatwaves
Taking an even longer-term view for this summer and beyond, it is worth thinking about investments that would help future-proof the school for extreme heat.
This could include using light-coloured, reflective coatings on roofs, which will help to reflect rather than absorb sunlight, and ensuring all classrooms have suitable window shades, blinds or awnings to block direct sunlight coming into classrooms.
An even longer-term strategy would be to plant trees on the sunny sides of school buildings to provide shade as well as helping to absorb pollution from surrounding roads.
While extreme heat may only occur for a few days each year, the reality is that scorching days may well become a more regular feature of our summers. By planning ahead, schools can help to mitigate the potential impact of these heatwaves and ensure that they remain safe and effective learning environments.
Luke Ramsden is deputy head of an independent school and chair of trustees for the Schools Consent Project
