School closures London: Schools closing, shutting early and cancelling trips due to heatwave

Some schools in London are closing early due to the Met Office’s red extreme heat warning.
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Some schools in London are closing early due to heatwaveSome schools in London are closing early due to heatwave
Some schools in London are closing early due to heatwave
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The public have been urged to make changes in their daily routines to ensure they are keeping safe in the heat.

Kemnal Technology College in Bromley, wrote to parents to say that under guidance from its trust and the Department for Education, saying: “We have taken the unprecedented decision to close the school and ask students and staff to work remotely.”

“We apologise for the late notice but we have been constantly monitoring the weather over the past few days and we believe that this is in the best interests of the school community,” the letter from headteacher Emma Wride and executive headteacher Stuart Smith adds.

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Ms Wride and Mr Smith noted that this was a “last minute decision” which could cause “undue stress” for parents unable to arrange childcare, and so a skeleton staff would keep the school open for parents with no alternative.

They said work would be set remotely via Google Classrooms, with pupils expected to follow their timetable.

The college will return to face-to-face for all on Wednesday and Thursday.

Edward Wilson primary school in Little Venice has also closed its doors for Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19.

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Other schools which have changed their rules include Clapton Girls Academy in east London, which is encouraging pupils to work from home in the afternoon.

Students have also been reminded that blazers and jumpers are not compulsory and they should bring a reusable water bottle to school with them.

The Sydney Russell school in Dagenham has also changed its opening times. The school will shut on Monday at 12.30pm and on Tuesday at 11.45am.

Students have been advised to wear a polo shirt and P.E. shorts to school. Their school trips on that day have also been cancelled.

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More announcements of school closures are expected to be made today and tomorrow so it’s important to check your area.

City of London Academy Islington on Prebend Street posted a letter to parents and carers on July 18, stating that the school would be closed at 1.30pm on Tuesday.

In the letter posted on their website, they wrote: “We were able to take a number of steps to mitigate the high temperatures today and most of the building remained at a bearable temperature for most of the day.

“However, with high temperatures forecast overnight and even higher daytime temperatures forecast for tomorrow daytime, we have decided it is necessary to close at 1.30pm tomorrow.”

A parent helps her child stay cool in Hackney. Credit: Getty ImagesA parent helps her child stay cool in Hackney. Credit: Getty Images
A parent helps her child stay cool in Hackney. Credit: Getty Images
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The NEU teaching union issued a statement saying it would “support headteachers making professional decisions to cope with the red warning, including in some circumstances to close or partially close schools”.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “There is clear government guidance available online to help school staff look after children in the hot weather, including the use of ventilation, keeping children hydrated and avoiding vigorous physical activity for pupils.

“Individual school leaders are responsible for managing their own local circumstances, but we are not advising schools to close.”

This article will be updated throughout the day. If your child’s school has been closed due to the heatwave please email us at [email protected]