The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for areas of England on Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July, including parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North West England, South West England and Yorkshire & Humber. The red warning indicates an exceptional hot spell of weather leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. 

The Met Office has also extended the amber extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday to cover parts of South West England, West Wales, North West England and southern Scotland. An amber extreme heat warning continues to be in place for parts of England on Sunday 17 July.    

The DfE are not advising schools or other settings to close. Individual leaders are responsible for managing their own local circumstances. They should refer 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. This 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.  

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. Settings are advised to consider actions recommended in Chapter 3 of the Heatwave Plan For England which are based on the best evidence and practice available currently and are not intended to be prescriptive. Settings should carry out risk assessments and amend and adapt procedures in a way which is appropriate for the individual medical needs of the children, young people and adults in their setting.

Visit the Education Hub to find further information on how to stay safe during the heatwave.