As schools break up for summer, teachers' union says: lets send kids home if classrooms get too hot

Youngsters can become lethargic, unable to concentrate and even faint if the heat becomes too much.

Schools are due to break up for the summer holidays within the next week, but in the meantime many are coping with "hot and stuffy" classrooms as the mercury continues to rise.

Union leaders have called for a maximum legal temperature limit to be introduced, which would allow staff and children to be sent home if the heat becomes excessive.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union said excessive temperatures are a "major problem" for schools, which are ill-equipped to cope.

"Our research revealed teachers and pupils sweltering in classrooms with inadequate ventilation with not even blinds at the windows which could be used to provide some limited shade," she said.

"The impact of excessive temperatures on teaching and learning needs be given serious consideration.

"Pupils become extremely lethargic, unable to concentrate and in some cases faint. Lessons are disrupted by constant requests for time out to get drinks of water or to go outside and many tasks take far longer to perform. Teachers report that the quality of work undoubtedly suffers at such times.

"Teachers are also concerned about the impact on pupil behaviour, reporting that pupils become irritable and in some cases aggressive with each other."

One teacher told the NASUWT that in the summer, the temperature of their classroom can be "unbearable".

"I find this hot and stuffy environment has a detrimental effect on my concentration and energy levels," the teacher said.

"My room has 15 computers. Using these in the summer adds to the temperature of the room. Although there may be benefits to learning, in high temperatures I often change lessons to avoid using them in order to limit the temperature of the room."

The NASUWT said it backed a 30C (86F) maximum temperature.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) suggested that the maximum legal limit should be 26C (79F).

NUT general secretary Christine Blower said: "Clearly, very high temperatures can affect the ability of teachers and pupils to concentrate and to work effectively, and can cause physical discomfort and illness.

"The NUT will continue to campaign to ensure that 26C is the absolute maximum temperature in which teachers should be expected to work."

Guidance for teachers from Public Health England says schools could consider starting or finishing lessons early.

"If possible, rearrange school start and finish times to avoid teaching during very hot conditions," it says.

Teachers could also teach in classrooms that are "less likely to overheat" or use fans during lessons.

The guidance says that on very hot days - when temperatures top 30C (86F) - children should not take part in "vigorous physical activity".

Pupils should be encouraged to stay in the shade, wear loose, light-coloured clothing and wide-brimmed hats, and to wear sun cream if they are outdoors for more than 20 minutes.

It also includes measures on hot classrooms, suggesting that windows could be opened early in the morning, or even overnight, and that schools use "outdoor sun awnings" or blinds.

And it says schools could turn off lights and electrical equipment such as computers and printers.

Source: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/as-schools-break-up-for-summer-teachers-union-says-lets-send-kids-home-if-classrooms-get-too-hot-8720760.html

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