School closures LIVE: Major update as Met Office warns of 40C heatwave | UK | News

Schools across much of the UK will be closed this week and the Met Office will issue red extreme heat alerts, warning of the possibility of a 40C heatwave. Warnings cover large parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday; Yellow alerts will be issued in the coming days.

Despite rising heatwave temperatures, the Department for Education advises: “We do not normally recommend school closures during hot weather. This is because school attendance is the best way for students to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.” Official guidance states that “schools may consider relaxing uniform rules to ensure students are comfortable in hot weather.” However, schools in Oxfordshire and Hampshire are scheduled to close this week and finish early. As principals express concerns about the safety and comfort of students and staff, many schools are relaxing uniform rules and adding extra water stations. School days are also being shortened.

FOLLOW OUR LIVE STREAM BELOW: