Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to update you on the measures we have put in place to support pupils and staff during the period of extremely hot weather forecast for tomorrow and Thursday.
The Met Office has issued a rare Red Warning for extreme heat from 9:00am on Wednesday 24 June until 9:00pm on Thursday 25 June.
I would like to reassure parents and carers that we have completed a risk assessment and that Selsdon Primary School will remain open during normal school hours. Our school building is well suited to hot weather, with high ceilings and well-ventilated classrooms. We have also invested in fans to improve air circulation and help maintain comfortable learning environments throughout the school.
In addition, we have purchased several gazebos to increase the number of shaded areas available on the school field. We also have a good supply of drinking water and water refill stations to ensure that children remain hydrated throughout the day.
As previously communicated, we have temporarily relaxed our school uniform expectations. Children may attend school in their PE kit throughout the week and are not required to wear ties or jumpers.
Measures in Place at School
To minimise the impact of the hot weather, we have implemented the following measures:
- Maximising ventilation in classrooms and shared areas.
- Keeping blinds closed where appropriate to reduce heat gain.
- Relaxing the school uniform requirements, including the option to wear PE kit every day.
- Holding morning break on the main playground, where the school building provides significant shade during the morning.
- Encouraging children using the field to spend regular periods in the shade, drinking water and cooling down.
- Providing regular opportunities for children to refill water bottles throughout the day.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Please support us by ensuring that:
- Your child brings a named water bottle to school each day.
- Your child wears a sun hat when outdoors.
- Your child applies sunscreen before coming to school.
- If required, your child brings a named bottle of sunscreen to reapply independently during the day.
Ongoing Monitoring
Whilst we are confident that these measures will help keep pupils and staff safe, we will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and adjust our arrangements if necessary.
Depending on conditions, we may:
- Move children to cooler areas of the school where possible.
- Increase the amount of indoor time during breaks and lunchtimes.
- Provide more frequent rest and hydration breaks.
- Adapt outdoor activities.
- Consider further operational changes should conditions require them – shorter school day or full closure.
Should any significant changes be necessary, parents will be informed as quickly as possible.
Keeping Everyone Safe
All staff will remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness. Children with known medical conditions will be monitored more closely throughout the day.
If a child becomes unwell due to the heat, we will always prioritise their safety and wellbeing. Where appropriate, we may contact parents and carers to arrange for a child to be collected.
If your child is unwell, has struggled to sleep due to the heat, or has a medical condition that may make them more vulnerable to high temperatures, you may wish to keep them at home. Any absence should be reported through the normal absence procedures.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Please look out for the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling or being sick
- Excessive sweating
- Pale, clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- High temperature
- Extreme thirst
- Irritability
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool place, given fluids and cooled down as quickly as possible.
Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
- A very high temperature
- Hot skin without sweating
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Confusion or restlessness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If someone displays symptoms of heatstroke, seek immediate medical assistance.
Treating Heat Exhaustion
If someone has heat exhaustion:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Remove unnecessary clothing.
- Give them plenty of water to drink.
- Cool their skin using water, fans or cold packs.
Stay with them until they recover. Most people should begin to feel better within 30 minutes.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together to keep our children safe during this period of extreme weather.
Stay safe and keep cool.
Best wishes,
Hugo Feitor
Headteacher
