News

Hot Weather Guidance : in early years settings and schools

Public Health advice for schools during hot weather

There is no expectation for schools to close during periods of hot weather. National guidance is to remain open where it is safe to do so, with appropriate adjustments in place.

Schools are encouraged to undertake a local risk assessment and implement proportionate measures to keep pupils and staff safe and comfortable.

Key actions schools should consider

1. Keep children cool and hydrated

• Provide and actively encourage regular drinking of water throughout the day
• Allow pupils to bring refillable bottles and take extra water breaks
• Watch for signs of dehydration, tiredness or discomfort

2. Adapt the school day where needed

• Avoid or reduce strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hottest part of the day
• Consider more classroom-based or lower-intensity activities
• Use shaded or cooler spaces where possible

3. Manage indoor temperatures

• Windows should be opened as early as possible in the morning before children arrive, or preferably overnight to allow stored heat to escape from the building (checking insurance conditions and need for security if windows are to be left open overnight). 
• If possible, open classroom doors as well as windows to encourage cross ventilation in the single sided classrooms.
• Windows should be closed when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation. Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed where possible but should not block ventilation, CO2 monitors can be used to keep a check on ventilation.
• Electric lighting should be kept to a minimum and equipment should not be left in ‘standby mode’, as this generates heat. Mechanical fans can be used to increase air movement if temperatures are below 35°C – at temperatures above 35°C fans may not prevent heat-related illness and could worsen dehydration.

4. Protect children outdoors

• Encourage use of shade, particularly between 11am–3pm
• Promote sunscreen and sunhats
• Consider limiting time outside during peak heat
• consider rearranging school start, finish, and play times to avoid teaching during very hot conditions

5. Uniform and expectations

• Schools may wish to relax uniform requirements (e.g. remove blazers/ties, allow lighter clothing)

6. Support vulnerable pupils and staff

• Pay particular attention to younger children and those with existing health conditions, who may be more affected by heat (more information here Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather: teachers and other educational professionals - GOV.UK)
• Ensure individual health plans are followed and staff are aware

7. Be alert to heat-related illness

• Common risks include dehydration, heat exhaustion and, more rarely, heatstroke
• Symptoms can include dizziness, headache, nausea, and unusual tiredness
• Pupils showing symptoms should be moved to a cool place, given fluids, and supported promptly

Additional considerations

• Schools should continue to monitor local weather forecasts and any heat-health alerts using this form Weather-Health Alerting system registration form
• Schools should have a risk assessment in place for managing the current hot weather and implement the control measure effectively. This should take into account building conditions, different areas of the site (e.g. playgrounds, classrooms, sports halls) and adjustments for vulnerable pupils or activities involving physical exertion and staffing
• Decisions such as early closure should be based on a local risk assessment

References

Hot weather and heatwaves: guidance for schools and other education settings – The Education Hub (updated June 2025)

Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather: teachers and other educational professionals - GOV.UK (updated Dec 2024)

Advice for schools and other education settings during a heatwave – The Education Hub (last updated 2022)

May be useful from Surrey UPDATED - Hot weather in schools: Preparing for high temperatures | Surrey Education Services (updated June 2025)

General advice

Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (updated May 2026)

Easy read version https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/689330fcf97cd7adaa2be02b/Beat_the_heat_staying_safe_in_hot_weather_EASY_READ_-_Updated.pdf

There is also guidance on:

• temperature in the workplace from Health and Security Executive (HSE)
• ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in schools from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)