Oak Field School
Red heat warning - parent letter
Re: Red Heat Warning: Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July
Dear Parent/Guardian(s)
You will know that the government has issued a red heat warning for Monday and Tuesday next week, peaking in the late afternoon at 38°C.
The DfE, via their blog, have issued the following guidance to schools, including the following statement: ‘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’
As parents, you can help us in this by
- sending/bringing your child to school in loose, light-coloured clothes and a sunhat with a wide brim until the end of term
- sending/bringing your child to school with sunscreen (at least factor 30 with UVA protection) until the end of term
- if your child is not keen on drinking water, providing them eg with squash or juice which they like to drink.
Please be reassured that the school will take every step possible to keep our pupils safe, comfortable and well during those two days. As advised by the DfE and the LA, our measures will include:
- keeping the pupils indoors / in the shade during the hottest parts of the day
- offering the pupils lots of water and encouraging them to drink more than usual – we have contacted parents separately re gastro waters
- limiting vigorous physical activity
- opening windows as early as possible in the morning before the pupils arrive
- using classrooms and other spaces which are less likely to overheat
- closing indoor blinds, without letting them block window ventilation
- making our First Aiders and all staff aware of the signs and treatment of heat-related illness
We hope this reassures you.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Patricia Lewis (Headteacher)