Birmingham schools considering closure due to the Met Office's rare red extreme heat alert have been urged to carry out an immediate risk assessment before shutting their doors. The highest-level warning, issued for parts of the UK including the West Midlands, remains in force until 9pm on June 25, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 37C in some areas.
Union Calls for Immediate Risk Assessment
The NASUWT teachers' union has advised that the red alert requires schools to conduct an 'immediate, additional risk assessment' that could lead to full or partial closure if deemed necessary. The union emphasized that the warning indicates a very likely risk to life, substantial travel disruption, and possible damage to property and infrastructure.
"Where a red alert is issued for extreme heat, school and college employers must ensure an immediate, additional risk assessment is carried out and the control measures indicated are enacted," the union told head teachers. "These could include full or partial closure of the site if the risk assessment deems this necessary."
Department for Education Guidance
The Department for Education (DfE) stated: "Red alerts indicate possible significant health risks to the wider population, so schools and early years settings should review actions to manage heat for all pupils and staff." The DfE's advice aligns with the union's call for careful evaluation of local conditions.
Widespread School Closures in Birmingham
Numerous schools across Birmingham have already informed parents of closures over the next few days to protect children. Nearly 100 schools in the West Midlands have confirmed closures this morning, impacting around 100,000 students this week. The union also urged schools to consider travel risks for learners and staff, noting potential disruption to public transport systems later in the day.
Council Support for Schools
Earlier this week, Birmingham City Council confirmed it was in contact with schools ahead of the heatwave. A council spokesperson said: "The health and wellbeing of pupils and staff is a top priority for us. For that reason, we are in contact with schools to lend support, and share guidance in line with national advice to help them manage the impact of high temperatures."
The spokesperson added that decisions on altering school day arrangements, including finishing times, are made by individual schools as they are best placed to assess their local circumstances. The council is supporting schools to take a sensible and flexible approach during the current heatwave.
