Dear Parents & Carers,

As you will be aware, the Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning for parts of this week.

We have also received guidance from Teaching Unions asking schools to "review the guidance and take all necessary steps to safeguard pupils and staff during this period."

Following careful consideration we have decided to offer parents the option of collecting their child at 1.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to be at their highest.

If you choose to collect your child at 1.30pm:

• They will receive school lunch before they leave.
• Your child will receive their afternoon attendance mark and their attendance will not be affected.
• We ask that children are taken home to a cool environment rather than to parks or outdoor play areas, where the risk to their health from the extreme heat is likely to be much greater.

Please be reassured that we have put a number of measures in place to keep everyone as safe and comfortable as possible.

These include:

• Classrooms kept as cool as possible , blinds closed and lights kept to a minimum.
• Frequent drink breaks throughout the day, with children encouraged to refill their water bottles regularly.
• Morning break taking place in shaded areas only.
• Children remaining indoors for the majority of lunchtime, with a short supervised period of approximately 15 minutes outside in the shade for fresh air where appropriate.
• Outdoor physical activities will be avoided during the hottest parts of the day.

If you intend to collect your child at 1.30pm, please let the school office know as soon as possible to help us plan effectively. If your child remains in school they will be kept as cool as possible and they will be adequately supervised.

All of our usual collection procedures remain in place. If someone different will be collecting your child, please ensure the school has been informed. 

Keeping Children Safe in the Heat

Young children can become unwell very quickly in extreme temperatures. Whether your child is at school or at home, please remember to:

• Encourage them to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty.
• Dress them in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Ensure they wear a sun hat when outside.
• Apply a high-factor sunscreen before coming to school and again later in the day if needed.
• Keep children in the shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm, when the sun is strongest.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave children in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick, heavy sweating or unusual irritability. If your child develops these symptoms, move them to a cool place, encourage them to drink water and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Thank you, as always, for your understanding and support as we work together to keep all of our children safe during this period of exceptionally hot weather.

Year 1,2 & 3 Music Concert - Wednesday 24th: 

This will now be postponed until 1.45pm on 8th July

Swimming - Wednesday 24th June

This will be cancelled for this week - will resume next week, 1st July

Regards,

Mr. Kelly