Wattville Primary School in Handsworth, Birmingham, will close for the remainder of the week following a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning from the Met Office. The Oasis Community Learning (OCL) academy on Wattville Road will shut at 1:30pm on Tuesday, with full closures on Wednesday and Thursday, and a scheduled staff inset day on Friday.
Early Closure and Full Shutdown
In a Facebook post, OCL stated: "Following national guidance from Oasis Community Learning (OCL), this is a quick reminder regarding our academy schedule and safety adjustments starting today. Today (Tuesday 23rd June): The academy will close early at 1:30pm. Please ensure arrangements are made for children to be collected at this time."
The post continued: "Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th June: The academy will be fully CLOSED due to the Met Office Red Weather Warning for extreme heat. Friday 26th June: The academy will remain CLOSED to pupils for our scheduled staff Inset day."
Extreme Heat Warning Details
The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to exceed 38°C. The warning, the highest level, indicates a risk to life and significant disruption. OCL emphasised that the decision was made to "prioritise the wellbeing and safety of our pupils and staff during this extreme weather."
Other Schools' Responses
Other schools in the region have issued advice for coping with the heat, including allowing pupils to wear hats, PE kits, and reminding parents to apply sunscreen and ensure children stay hydrated. Birmingham City Council and Solihull Council have left individual schools to make their own decisions regarding closures.
A Solihull Council spokesperson said: "As a result of the Met Office and UKHSA issuing an amber heat health alert for Solihull the council has activated its adverse weather and health plan. This involves undertaking various actions to help reduce the risk of the heatwave on people, particularly those who are more vulnerable. Schools will put their own measures in place based on the advice and guidance available and what is appropriate for their individual school environment."
