School closures spark debate in Black Country
Residents in the Black Country have been debating whether schools should close during extreme heat, with some accusing teachers of wanting to 'top up their sun tans' while others argue for pupil safety. The debate comes as temperatures in the region soared above 30°C, prompting some schools to send pupils home early or close entirely.
Mixed reactions from the community
In a local Facebook group, one resident wrote: 'So teachers can top up their sun tans? It's a joke.' Another commented: 'When I was at school, we never had closures for hot weather. We just got on with it.' However, others defended the decisions, pointing to health risks. One parent said: 'My child has asthma and the heat makes it worse. I'd rather they be safe at home.'
Official guidance on extreme heat
According to the Department for Education, there is no legal threshold for closing schools due to heat. However, headteachers have the authority to make decisions based on local conditions. The National Education Union has advised that schools should consider closing if temperatures exceed 30°C in classrooms, as learning becomes difficult and health risks increase.
Impact on families
For many working parents, last-minute closures cause significant disruption. One resident said: 'I had to take a day off work because the school closed at 1pm. It's not easy for everyone.' Others noted that not all families have access to air conditioning or cool spaces at home.
Climate change and future planning
The debate has also raised questions about how schools should adapt to rising temperatures. Some residents called for better ventilation, shaded areas, and water fountains. Others suggested that schools should have clear policies in place for heatwaves, similar to snow days. As one commenter put it: 'This is going to happen more often. We need to plan ahead.'
