School Guidance for Sun Safety
General guidance and tips on managing the risk from the sun/heat.
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● Review arrangements for pupils with disabilities and complex health needs that may be affected by the hot weather.
● Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler. Opening all windows early morning can lower the temperature in the classrooms.
● Avoid the heat: Allow children to stay inside and out of the sun and try to avoid going out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day)
● Keep classrooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
● Ensure all your water fountains are working.
● Remind pupils to drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice.
● Keep a close eye on pupils who have health conditions and in particular those that suffer with asthma
● Stay up to date with the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office
● Identify the coolest rooms in the school and use these in preference to hotter classrooms if there is capacity in school.
● Ensure pupils wear a hat if they go outdoors.
● Relax school uniform (boys can wear shorts and remove blazers).
● Provide fans for staff that request them (review where they are sited so not a trip hazard and can’t be pulled over by younger children).
● Remind staff to wear hats too if they go outside.
● Keep an eye on pupils, colleagues for signs of heat exhaustion and Heatstroke.
● Moving sports days to the morning or moving them to another day when expected to be cooler.
● Look at re-timetabling PE lessons so it’s first thing in morning when cooler.
● Consider starting school earlier (if transport allows this).
● Look at school trips planned and review your risk assessment in view of weather conditions.
● Participation in skiing, water based activities and visits to hot countries will require special consideration as part of the education visits and journeys risk assessment
