PARENTS have been told that a number of Lichfield primary schools will close for the next two days due to the hot weather.
A red heat alert has been issued as temperatures are expected to continue to soar this week.
A letter to parents of children at Scotch Orchard Primary School said it would shut tomorrow (24th June) and Thursday as a result following discussions with Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) bosses.
Staffordshire County Council's school closures website has confirmed that other local schools will also close, including Anna Seward Primary School, Greysbrooke Primary School and St Michael's CofE Primary School.
Nether Stowe School – which is also part of the ATLP – has also said it will shut for two days due to the weather.
A spokesperson for ATLP said:
"All ATLP schools fall within the area covered by the red heat-health alert for Wednesday and Thursday. Therefore, in line with Department for Education expectations, we have reviewed the alert, conducted local risk assessments and considered the specific circumstances of our school sites.
"We have also considered a range of mitigation measures and alternative arrangements, including partial closures and early finishes. However, after reviewing all relevant information, we have concluded that it is in the best interests of our pupils’ and colleagues’ health, safety and wellbeing to close our schools on these days.
"We appreciate the disruption this may cause for some families and to minimise this, home learning resources will be provided. Schools are also making arrangements to support vulnerable children and families who may require additional assistance.
"We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will keep our school communities updated as appropriate."
James Chapman, headteacher at Scotch Orchard Primary School, wrote to parents outlining the closure decision and process:
"The decision has been made at a trust level to close all ATLP schools to all children on Wednesday and Thursday.
"Despite our best efforts to keep the school safe and comfortable, these unprecedented temperatures exceed the measures we have in place to keep classrooms and school buildings cool.
"We have explored a range of options to manage the conditions on site, however we are currently unable to maintain a safe and suitable environment for students and staff throughout the school day when all pupils and staff are on site.
"We explored early closures, but the heat is predicted to be at its most dangerous levels between 11am and 2pm. Therefore it would not be safe for schools to end at this point."
The headteacher said he hoped the school would be able to reopen as normal on Friday.
He added:
"The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone within our school community must remain our top priority.
"Optional home learning will be emailed out for children and families to access if they wish to do so.
"We will keep all families updated and will notify you promptly should our position change.
