Extreme Weather and Health & Safety – Early School Closure
14th July 2022
Dear parent/carer,
Re. Extreme weather and Health & Safety in school
I am writing to you with an update regarding health and safety issues related to the current heat wave.
You may be aware that, under any guidance for schools, there is no upper temperature limit by which a room in a school can be rendered ‘unavailable’.
However, we know that unlike corporate buildings, our buildings and their design means that the temperature in our classrooms during summer months with a room of students is very uncomfortable.
As the Head teacher I have the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of staff and students and so, it is my view that having classroom temperatures of what may be over 30 degrees for prolonged periods of the day in the current heat wave, does not support this obligation.
With temperatures expected to rise to 36 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, I have decided that the school will close for students after period 3, at 12.20pm.
Dismissal Arrangements
Students will have a staggered dismissal from 12.20pm.
Period 4 & 5
Staff will set work for timetabled lessons that will be missed for periods 4 and 5. Students are to complete this work at home.
Lunch
There will be a cold packed lunch available for students to purchase before they leave, or those eligible for free school meals can claim this as usual.
Students Remaining On-Site
We understand that these arrangements may not suit some parents. Should you require your child to remain supervised on-site to follow the normal school timetable for the remainder of the day, please complete the following form by 12.00pm on Friday 15th July – https://forms.gle/746nGEgYANV7yaUw6.
Dress Code
As with this week, next week, students are able to attend school in their Stepney All Saints School PE kit to school (Stepney All Saints PE t-shirt and the PE shorts/tracksuit bottoms).This includes on the days that students do not have PE.
Students still have the option to wear their normal school uniform if they choose.
The school building will close at 3.00pm, meaning there will be no after school meetings or enrichment activities on Monday or Tuesday.
Please do remind your child to keep safe during this extreme UK weather and ensure that they bring a water bottle to school to stay hydrated.
Yours sincerely,
Mr P Woods