Could children be sent home from schools?

SCHOOLS are covered by the same health and safety laws as workplaces, which specifies minimum temperatures for people to work in, but no maximum.

However, guidance by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be “reasonable” for workers.

So, could children be sent home from school if it gets too hot?

Schools are responsible for the day-to-day welfare of the children on its grounds and should adhere to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, which state: “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.”

Employers and therefore also schools, have to provide “clean, fresh air” as well as keeping temperatures at a comfortable level. “Schools are also expected to provide adequate shade and deploy special measures when necessary – such as fans or portable air conditioning.”

The HSE adds: “Other steps may also need to be considered, such as closing classrooms which are unacceptably hot and teaching classes elsewhere, or even sending pupils home, provided reasonable notice has been given to parents.”

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) safety briefing states: “If in doubt, 26C should be used as the trigger for these measures.

“Dress codes can also be relaxed, with many schools that require blazers and trousers to be worn allowing shorts, skirts and the removal of blazers.”

The NUT advises children be sent home if temperatures continue to soar. It also expects schools to put planned measures into practice as heatwaves become more common and last longer.

An NHS trust advises that carers and teachers should ensure children stay hydrated by drinking water “little and often”, and not allowing them to be outside in the sun for too long.