School disruption expected as heatwave continues

Schools have faced further disruption as the ongoing heatwave forces yet more closures.

At least 32 schools closed early or were shut completely on Friday, according to the Essex County Council website. This compared with 13 on Thursday.

Much of Essex remains under a red weather warning, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures could hit 38C (96.8F).

In a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the National Education Union (NEU) said the heat was "significantly" impacting children's studies.

The emergency school closures on Friday included Boreham Primary, De la Salle in Basildon, Manningtree High School and Friars Grove Primary School in Colchester.

Brentwood's Endeavour Co-operative Academy also shut , saying its air conditioning units were "working beyond capacity, resulting in poor ventilation".

"We have serious concerns [about] the health, safety, and welfare of our learners," it said.

Many schools chose to close early on Friday, with most sending pupils home at lunchtime.

Others said children who were unable to go home could remain safely at school until the normal pick-up time.

The Met Office's red warning was imposed at midnight and will remain in place until 21:00.

Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, said school leaders were having to take "complex decisions at speed" to keep pupils and staff safe.

In his letter to Phillipson, he wrote: "Every school closure this week is a direct consequence of successive governments failing to invest in the UK's school estate."

Kebede urged the secretary of state to set out a timetable for when every school could receive adequate air conditioning units.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Phillipson said of the heat: "I know this is a struggle.

"The hot weather can be really difficult for children, for staff, but we are encouraging schools to try and stay open as a priority.

"Being in school is really important for children, especially vulnerable children. But all of this does underline the importance of making our schools fit for the future."

Phillipson said it was important schools were "better equipped" to deal with hot weather going forward.

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