This week's heat wave

You will be aware that the following heat warnings remain in place this week, with extensions confirmed yesterday, and a further update this morning placing some areas within Hampshire as Red.

The Met Office Red Extreme Heat Warning - for some parts of north Hampshire
The Met Office Amber Extreme Heat Warning has been extended until 23:59 on Thursday 25 June 2026.
The UKHSA Amber Heat Health Alert is now in place until 23:00 on Friday 26 June 2026.

Current forecasts indicate that, while the most significant impacts are expected at the start of the week, there is potential for conditions to persist and intensify into midweek as the hot weather continues.

What this means

The period of extreme heat is now expected to be prolonged, rather than a short peak.
There remains a continued risk of increased pressure on services and infrastructure later in the week.

In light of this, we will be referring to all guidance to ensure our children remain safe and well.

The current DfE guidance (linked below) provides practical advice on working with pupils in extreme heat, including measures to keep buildings cool and mitigate overheating

The most recent advice from the HCC Corporate Health and Safety and Public Health teams is linked below,

H&S Newsletter and Hot Weather Guidance

In summary, the following is advised from Hampshire County Council:

Schools are not normally expected to close in hot weather, but they should take sensible steps to keep children safe and comfortable.
Children are more vulnerable to hot weather than adults, particularly very young children, those with health conditions, and those taking certain medications.
Encourage children to drink more water than usual and make sure fresh drinking water is readily available.
Encourage children to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Consider relaxing uniform rules so children can wear light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and sun hats where appropriate.
Ensure high-factor sunscreen is used to protect skin when children are outdoors.
Avoid or adapt vigorous physical activity on very hot days; more sedentary activities may be more suitable.
To keep classrooms cooler, open windows early in the morning and, where possible, open doors as well as windows to improve airflow.
Close windows when the air outside becomes warmer than indoors and use blinds or curtains where possible without blocking ventilation.
Keep lighting and electrical equipment use to a minimum where possible, as these can add to indoor heat.
Staff should be alert to signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and pale clammy skin; move the child to a cool place, give cool water, and cool them quickly.
If symptoms are worsening or there are concerns, contact NHS 111. If heatstroke is suspected, call 999 immediately.

At Bishops Waltham Infant School

In light of all the guidance from all of the authorities, this week in the extreme heat at BWIS we will be following all of the above advice. Children can wear PE Kits to school from tomorrow if they find it cooler (white T shirts/navy shorts-if kit gets dirty, please wear a light tshirt and suitable shorts). Our solar glass on all new windows and doors is helping a little. We will have all water bottles on the desks and children encouraged to have more hydration breaks. We will be adapting tasks to suit our children. We have briefed all staff to be extra vigilant, and check in with children frequently-we are very aware that some of our children are not so good at recognising when they are hot.

We will not be using our tarmac areas of any of our playgrounds, and will be playing on the grassy areas only, which has a lot more shade from trees. We are very aware that some of our children are not so good at recognising when they are hot and all staff will be extra vigilant of checking on them frequently.

Please can all parents ensure their child has sun cream on, sun hat and water bottle every day.

School Trip-For Year R children

We will still be going on our trip. We have contacted Staunton Farm. They have adapted the activities that they are going to do, and have confirmed that there are lots of shady grassy areas for the children to be in. For adults helping on the trip, please ensure you too look after yourselves, and let a staff member know if you are feeling unwell.

Ceilidh Dancing-Year 2 children

Currently this event is still happening. We will ensure children are well hydrated and there is a shady area for us to rest in between dancing. We will cut the timing that we are there to 1 hour, and the organisers have said they will offer more rest breaks.

Adults helping in school

Please ensure you observe safety from above and let a staff member know if you are feeling unwell.

Hopefully we will get through the next week and we will do our very best to look after all of the children in our care, as always