The warning states that “Population-wide adverse health effects, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life.”

We have taken the regrettable decision to close our schools and college on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July.

We understand that this may cause disruption to yourselves, however the DfE advice to schools is to undertake a risk assessment to ascertain whether adjustments can be made.
As a Trust we have met and undertaken an assessment of risk, and we feel that we are unable to make reasonable adjustments to be able to offer a safe environment with the forecasted temperature. We also took in to consideration that the majority of our pupils and students use transport and are often on the buses for up to an hour – always the health safety and wellbeing of our pupils, students and staff is at the heart of our decision-making and so have taken the difficult decision to close.

We have contacted transport to inform them of the closure.

We will also make arrangements to provide vouchers for those children in receipt of Free School Meals, however due to the unfortunate short notice these will follow next week.

Based on this decision we have also chosen to postpone the Trust sports day, which was scheduled for Wednesday 20th July, further information will follow in regard to rescheduling.

I hope you will all keep safe during this red heat warning, and follow the advice to:

• Remain indoors during the hottest part of the day (12-3pm)
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear light coloured loose clothing
• If you do need to go out, try to stay out of the sun and wear a hat and sunscreen.

There will be a lot of anxiety in regard to health, safety and wellbeing, and as a Trust we have continued to make all our decisions based on these key areas.

Please look after yourselves and your loved ones, and we look forward to welcoming all pupils, students and staff back on Wednesday 20th.

Yours faithfully
Kevin Latham