London is set to hit highs of 33C this weekend. While schools will be out on Saturday and Sunday as usual, the hot weather is set to continue next week.
Although it will be cooler on Monday, it will still reach highs of 26C in the capital on Tuesday, meaning kids will need to go to school in hotter temperatures than usual.
School attendance is mandatory according to government advice, with it being vital for children’s wellbeing and development.
However, where school can sometimes be called off for strong storms and heavy snow, does the same apply for hot weather? Let’s take a look.
How hot is too hot for school?
Although hot classrooms and uncomfortable travel might make going to school trickier than usual, it’s very unlikely that schools will close.
Nonetheless, school authorities are required to keep children safe while in their care, and that includes from hot weather.
That means necessary adjustments can be made, such as relaxing school uniform requirements – like not wearing blazers and ties – or allowing children to wear loose-fitting PE kits all day, rather than the usual uniform.
PE lessons may also be adapted to make sure children are not exerting themselves in dangerously high temperatures.
If you’re sending your child(ren) off to school, make sure they’re well stocked with water, suncream, and hats and sunglasses to protect them from the weather, especially if they spend time walking outside as part of their journey to school.
Teachers and caregivers alike should keep an eye out for early signs of heatstroke or stress, which can quickly become serious.
That includes unusual irritability, headaches and dizziness early on, and can result in fainting or delirium.
What temperature is too hot to go to work?
It’s a similar story for adults heading to work too, with there not being a legal temperature where it’s too hot to work.
General guidance states that there should be a minimum temperature of 16C, or 13C for strenuous work.
"During working hours, the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable,” reads the official advice from the government.
That also means that employers must keep temperatures at a comfortable level and the air clean and fresh, or offer means for employees to do so themselves.
