Sudden school closures across the United Kingdom due to extreme heat have disrupted the working lives of many parents and raised questions about the impact on children's resilience. More than 1,000 schools have reportedly closed or reduced operating hours this week as temperatures soared.
One parent, described as a single mother, received a notification from her son's primary school on Monday afternoon that it would be closed from midday Tuesday until Friday due to the heat, as it lacks air conditioning. This closure forced her to travel to her parents' home in the suburbs, causing her to be late for a critical work presentation. She contrasted the school's decision with her own living situation, where she had only a fan and windows in her third-floor London flat without outdoor space.
Another parent had to take time off work as holiday to care for her primary school-aged children, expressing disappointment as she had been looking forward to going to work, partly to experience the air-conditioned office. A colleague's daughter's private school offered optional half days, which she noted was effectively a compulsory half-day, inconvenient for full-time working parents. The school stated it was prioritizing the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
The commentary suggests that while extreme heat can be dangerous, most children are healthy, can stay hydrated, and use sun protection. The argument is made that closing classrooms makes children less resilient. In France, where similar temperatures have occurred, there have been tragic drownings of young people in unsupervised areas.
Furthermore, the closures are seen as potentially exacerbating the issue of Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (ESBA). Recent figures indicate a significant increase in severely absent pupils, defined as missing over 50% of classes. Lockdowns are cited as a contributing factor to increased childhood anxiety and diminished coping abilities, a problem compounded by underfunded mental health services.
For parents dealing with persistent absenteeism, school closures can make the task of encouraging attendance more difficult. One parent noted that closures send a message that attending school is optional. The lack of support for persistent absenteeism from schools, coupled with educators closing their doors, adds to the challenge.
While some schools have remained open, others have canceled classes for older students. This creates a disparity, with younger siblings potentially attending while older ones are sent home, leading to frustration and the need for parents to explain the difference.
Those in favor of closures argue that learning is ineffective in extreme heat and it is unfair to teachers. However, the argument is raised that other professions, such as healthcare workers, continue working in high temperatures without air conditioning. The broader lesson for children, it is suggested, is that adults may opt out of responsibilities when conditions become difficult.
With the likelihood of more frequent heatwaves, there is a call for schools to adapt rather than close. Prioritizing air conditioning in classrooms is proposed, with reference to countries like Spain where only a small percentage of public schools have it, but longer summer holidays allow for planning around peak temperatures. The need for parents to push for contingency plans beyond closures and for schools to remain open regardless of the weather is emphasized.