Will schools in Birmingham close due to UK heatwave? Latest on school closures after red weather warning

Extreme temperatures are set to hit Birmingham next week, with the Met Office predicting around 34C in parts of the region.

The weather forecast caused the Met Office to issue an unprecedented red extreme heat weather warning for large areas of England, including Birmingham.

The forecast has raised some questions over what should happen with schools in Birmingham this week, and whether or not they should close for the days during a heatwave, and especially during an unprecedented extreme heat warning.

What is the Met Office warning?

The Met Office has issued a red warning for extreme temperatures which covers some of the UK’s major cities, including Birmingham.

The warning comes into effect at midnight on Monday, 18 July and is currently in place until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 19 July.

What could be the effects of the extreme temperatures?

The Met Office has also issued information on what is possible through the red extreme heat warning.

Here is what we’ve been told to expect: 

• Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
• Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
• High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
• Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
• Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays

Could schools in Birmingham close because of the high temperatures?

Schools are not required by law to close during a heatwave, and this would suggest that it will be left up to the individual school.

The Department for Education issued a statement on 14 July providing information on how to stay safe during heat waves, but went on to add that they aren’t advising schools to close during the high temperatures.

A spokesperson said: “During heat waves it’s important that everyone stays safe and makes sure they drink plenty of water and avoid being exposed to the sun for too long – this is especially important for children.

“We aren’t advising schools to close during high temperatures, but school leaders should make sure they take any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable.”

This statement was issued before the Met Office weather warning for extreme heat was changed from amber to red, and this piece will be updated with any developments.

The National Union of Teaching (NUT) has issued  a safety briefing that states: "If in doubt, 26C should be used as the trigger for these measures.

"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."

BirminghamWorld has reached out to Birmingham City Council for information on what will happen with schools next week.

Solihull Council issued a statement on potential changes to schools.

A spokesperson said: “Decisions about schools are to be made by the local schools themselves so parents should contact their child’s school for information on whether they will be opening and any actions parents of schoolchildren should take.

“We will be sharing advice on staying safe in the heat on social media and the Solihull Council website.”

What are the signs of heatstroke in children?

The Department for Health and Social Care say that children cannot control their body temperature as well as adults during hot weather, making them more susceptible.

The department have guidelines for the signs of heat related medical conditions in children, including heatstroke - the symptoms for which are listed below:

• high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F) is a major sign of heatstroke
• red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops
• fast heartbeat
• fast shallow breathing
• confusion/lack of coordination
• fits
• loss of consciousness