The decision to close schools during a recent heatwave in England and Wales has sparked debate among educators about prioritizing student safety versus fostering resilience.
More than 300 schools experienced partial or full closures on June 24 and 25 due to the extreme temperatures. Chris Parry, head teacher at Lewis School in Pengam, opted to close his institution on both days after conducting risk assessments. He cited the poor ventilation in older parts of the school and the conditions for staff and students as primary concerns. Parry noted that while his school's parents were supportive, advice was given to pupils on how to stay safe and comfortable at home. He suggested that many businesses also closed during the heatwave, implying that young people should understand workplace responsibilities. Parry also highlighted the need for long-term planning and investment in infrastructure, such as improved cooling systems, and called for collaboration between schools, government, and local authorities to adapt buildings designed for colder climates.
"Our job, really, is to develop that resilience with pupils, but also to create that safe and safe environment for them to work in," Parry stated.
Conversely, Alun Ebenezer, a head teacher at Caldicot School, kept his school open, believing it taught students valuable lessons in resilience.
Laura Doel of the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru (NAHT) advised school leaders in Wales to carefully consider the safety of pupils and staff during hot weather. She pointed out that many older school buildings are ill-equipped for temperature extremes. Doel described school closures as a last resort and urged the government to expedite upgrades to school buildings, emphasizing that they should be conducive to learning year-round.
Claire Armitstead of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru (ASCL) stated that school leaders are best positioned to make decisions regarding opening and timetabling during extreme weather, based on their specific contexts. However, she also noted the prevalence of poor ventilation and the absence of air conditioning in many schools, underscoring the need for investment to ensure buildings are safe and suitable for hotter conditions.
The Welsh government indicated it is working closely with local authorities to ensure funding arrangements meet local needs and priorities, and recently announced £40 million for school maintenance.