Mandate the closure of all UK schools during Red Weather Heat Warnings.

Background

We call on the UK Government and the Department for Education to introduce legally mandated school closures across the UK whenever the Met Office issues a Red Warning for Extreme Heat, or when local temperatures are officially forecasted to exceed 35c.

Additional details

The frequency of extreme heatwaves in the UK is rising, with temperatures regularly threatening to break historical records. The vast majority of British school buildings are outdated, lack adequate ventilation, and completely lack air conditioning, essentially turning classrooms into dangerous heat traps. There is currently no limit on temperatures in classrooms and we strongly urge the UK government to put on a cap for max temperature whether its 35c or higher.