As temperatures soared in June, schools across the UK faced a difficult decision: should they close during the heatwave or stay open and try to keep pupils cool? A recent survey found that 5% of schools closed for at least one day, and a quarter finished early. Many others coped by bringing fans and portable air conditioners into classrooms and letting pupils wear their PE kit. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson encouraged parents to keep their children in school, saying they should “pack a water bottle, put on the sunscreen and trust that your child’s school has got this.” However, the National Education Union (NEU), a group that represents school staff, argued that keeping schools open was “dangerous”. What do you think? Should they close?
Yes – extreme heat makes it hard to learn
Many UK schools were built long ago and are not designed for extreme heat. With windows that are either too small or too big and no air conditioning, some schools “have become greenhouses” that trap warmth, according to Daniel Kebede, the head of the NEU. Anyone who has felt sleepy in a hot room knows how hard it can be to concentrate. Research from Nottingham Trent University, England, shows that extreme heat can make thinking, memory and focus worse. Is there any point in pupils being in school if they can’t concentrate? Health risks are also a concern. Experts warn that long periods of heat can be harmful, causing dehydration (lack of water) and heatstroke (when the body overheats).
No – schools should adapt for the heat
The Department for Education says schools should carry on during heatwaves and just make changes, like letting pupils wear PE kits. They say that schools should stay open whenever possible because attending is “the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential”. Besides, closing schools at short notice can cause problems for working parents, who may not be able to organise childcare or risk losing income if they leave work. Journalist William Sitwell says closing schools is teaching children to give up, which will make them less resilient in later life. Besides, the Government has announced it is spending £20 billion to rebuild 750 old schools, so they will soon be better equipped for hot weather.
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