Special Education Notice: Update - Extreme Weather Warnings (18 July 2022)
Special Education Notice sent out 18 July 2022
Special Education Notice
18 July 2022
Update - Extreme Weather Warnings
Updated information for schools following Met Office
extreme heat weather warnings
Well, what an exceptionally hot start to such a busy week for everyone. It’s already warm and it’s going to get hotter still, so just a reminder below of some of the information that we sent through on Friday.
After the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for areas of England for today (18 July 2022) and Tuesday (19 July 2022), we confirmed that we are not advising schools or other settings to close in Telford & Wrekin. We do, however, encourage you to take sensible precautions. We know you will be doing this already.
Ultimately individual leaders are responsible for managing their own local circumstances and to help you should refer to the Emergency Planning Guidance and carry out risk assessments in line with government guidance on looking after children and young people, as well as those in early years settings during heatwaves.
So much of this is common sense and includes the use of ventilation, closing classrooms that are too hot, keeping children and young people hydrated, avoiding vigorous physical activity, encouraging children and young people to wear loose, light coloured clothing and sunhats with wide brims, to use sunscreen, and providing them with plenty of water.
As you know already children under 4 years old and some children, young people and adults with complex medical needs and chronic conditions are potentially at a higher risk during periods of extreme heat. With this in mind, settings should consider the actions recommended in Chapter 3 of the Heatwave Plan For England. These are based on the best evidence and practice currently available and are not intended to be prescriptive.
Settings should carry out risk assessments and amend and adapt procedures in a way that is appropriate for the individual medical needs of the children, young people and adults in their setting.
Visit our Education Hub to find further information on how to stay safe during the heatwave.
Thanks very much for staying open and keeping our children in education. What an end to another very dynamic school year. Do get in touch if we can advise or help further.
Simon
Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills