Can you refuse to work or send your kids to school during a heatwave?

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Can you refuse to work or send your kids to school during a heatwave? 1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleGetty ImagesThe Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat covering parts of England and Wales later this week. Temperatures will increase significantly in the next few days and could hit 40C in places by Wednesday and Thursday.

The warning comes into place at 09:00 on Wednesday and will last until 21:00 on Thursday for central, southern and south-east England, and parts of south Wales. Will schools close if it gets too hot? There is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms - and the government does not normally advise schools to close.

The Details

Instead, it says schools can usually be managed safely and that keeping children in school is important. Teaching unions have recommended that schools should aim to keep indoor temperatures at a maximum of 26C. School leaders will keep a close eye on temperatures and will refer to their risk assessments.

They will also watch for pupils becoming tired more quickly, especially those who are vulnerable. If a head teacher does decide to close a school, they will need to talk to the chair of governors and their academy trust or employer first. What can schools do to help combat the heat?

Some parents may already have had a message from their schools saying uniform rules are being relaxed and children can instead wear PE kits. Schools can also look at changing start and finish times to avoid the worst of the heat. Lessons may be moved to cooler areas of the school and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recommends children should not take part in vigorous physical activity when it is very hot, so PE lessons maybe be a bit more sedentary than normal.

What Experts Say

CO2 monitors can also be used to keep a check on ventilation. Getty Images/SolStockAdvice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says schools may have to close windows later in the day if it becomes hotter outside than inside, and fans shouldn't be used if temperatures go above 35C. Teaching unions say schools will always be as creative as possible in taking all possible measures to keep children and staff comfortable, but this will be more difficult in some schools.

They called on the government to invest in making all school buildings more resilient to extreme weather. How can I help my child keep cool at school? If school uniform rules are relaxed, children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing where possible and sunhats with wide brims.

Sunscreen with high sun protection factors should be used – and some schools will ask students to bring in their own so they can re-apply it when needed during the day. Schools will also encourage children to drink lots of water – but it's worth reminding them at home why this is important. Can I keep my child off school because of the heat?

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.