Schools: Temperature
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adjusting school timetables in the context of future heatwaves.
Answered by Department for Education
The government's position is that schools should remain open wherever it is safe to do so because attendance supports learning, wellbeing and safeguarding.
The department recognises that periods of extreme heat can present challenges for pupils and staff. Decisions on the day-to-day running of schools, including whether temporary adjustments to timetables are appropriate, are for school leaders, who are best placed to determine the most suitable arrangements based on local circumstances and the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.
Where leaders judge timetable changes are necessary, they should seek to minimise disruption to education and protect the overall length of the school day, for example by adjusting start and finish times rather than shortening the school day. Wherever possible, schools should communicate any temporary timetable changes to parents and carers in advance to allow families time to make any necessary arrangements.
The department provides guidance to education settings on managing buildings during hot weather, including steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of high temperatures on pupils and staff.
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