Our statement regarding supporting schools during the extreme heat

While responsibility for risk assessments and actions to reduce risk, including changes to school hours, rests with individual schools and their governing bodies, we expect all schools to review their arrangements and take appropriate steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children, young people and staff.

Schools are taking a pragmatic approach to reducing risk with any actions tailored to the individual circumstances of each school, recognising that every site, building and pupil population is different.

We have also met with leaders from our special schools, where there may be a greater need for precautionary measures, particularly for pupils with complex medical needs or those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Additional measures may be required in these schools to reduce risks and support the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

We are maintaining close contact with schools and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period of extreme heat.