How Schools Can Prepare for Hot Weather and Heatwaves: Practical Guidance for Education Estates

As the UK continues to experience hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves, schools are being encouraged to strengthen their approach to managing high temperatures. The Department for Education (DfE), together with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has released updated guidance to help education settings protect pupils and staff during periods of extreme heat.

For many schools, this isn’t just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of safety, compliance and effective estate management. At Munday & Cramer, we work closely with schools and trusts to ensure their buildings are prepared for all weather conditions, including the challenges posed by rising temperatures.

Understanding Heat Alerts and What They Mean for Schools

The UKHSA and Met Office now issue Heat Health Alerts to help organisations plan ahead. These alerts indicate the level of risk and the actions that may be required.

• Red alerts are the most serious indicating significant health risks and require schools to review their heat‑management measures urgently.
• A yellow alert signals potential risks for vulnerable pupils, while amber alerts suggest that the wider school population could be affected.
• A Green alert is issued as the conditions are likely to have minimal impact on health; business as usual; summer planning and preparedness activities

The government encourages schools to sign up for these alerts so they can prepare early, adjust activities and ensure their estate is ready before temperatures peak.

Do Schools Need to Close During Hot Weather?

The DfE is clear that schools are not normally advised to close during hot weather. Attendance remains the expectation, and most risks can be managed through sensible adjustments.

This places greater importance on the condition and performance of school buildings. Good ventilation, shading, insulation and estate planning all play a crucial role in keeping classrooms safe and usable during extreme heat.

Why Children Are More Vulnerable to Heat

The UKHSA notes that children are more susceptible to heat‑related illness than adults. Their bodies regulate temperature differently, they are often more active, and they may not recognise early signs of overheating.

Risks include dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke. Younger children and those with medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Schools are encouraged to ensure staff are aware of any relevant medical advice for pupils in their care.

Practical Steps Schools Should Take

The government’s guidance outlines a range of measures that schools can adopt during hot weather. Many of these are simple operational changes, while others relate directly to the condition and performance of the estate.

One of the most immediate actions is to relax uniform policies. Light, loose‑fitting clothing, sunhats and the removal of blazers or jumpers can make a significant difference to comfort and safety. Schools are also encouraged to adapt outdoor activities, avoiding vigorous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

Indoors, the focus is on keeping classrooms cool and well‑ventilated. This includes using blinds or curtains to reduce solar gain, ensuring windows can be opened safely, providing access to drinking water and monitoring indoor temperatures throughout the day. Rooms that become excessively warm may need temporary adjustments to teaching activities or relocation to cooler areas.

Outdoors, shade becomes essential. Schools should encourage pupils to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, use sunscreen and take regular breaks in cooler areas.

Staff are also advised to watch for early signs of heat stress, irritability, dizziness, headaches or fatigue — and respond quickly to prevent escalation.

The Role of Estate Management in Heat Preparedness

While operational changes help in the short term, long‑term resilience depends on the condition and design of the school estate. Buildings with poor ventilation, inadequate shading or insufficient insulation are far more likely to overheat.

This is where strategic estate management becomes essential. Schools should be reviewing:

• The performance of their ventilation systems
• The condition of windows, blinds and shading
• Insulation levels and glazing performance
• The layout of classrooms and circulation spaces
• Water supply and hydration points
• Risk assessments relating to hot weather

A well‑maintained estate not only improves comfort but also reduces the likelihood of disruption, safeguarding both learning and wellbeing.

How Munday & Cramer Can Support Your School

Our team works with schools, academies and trusts to strengthen their resilience to extreme weather. This includes:

• Condition surveys to identify overheating risks and ventilation issues
• Estate management planning aligned with DfE and UKHSA guidance
• Energy and sustainability strategies to improve building performance
• Project delivery for shading, ventilation, insulation and mechanical upgrades
• Risk assessment support to help schools prepare for heatwaves effectively

We help schools move from reactive measures to proactive planning, ensuring buildings remain safe, compliant and comfortable throughout the summer month.

Hot weather and heatwaves are becoming a predictable part of the school year, and education settings must be ready. With the right combination of operational planning and long‑term estate management, schools can protect pupils, support staff and maintain high‑quality learning environments even during extreme temperatures.

If your school needs support preparing for hot weather, from surveys to strategy to project delivery, Munday & Cramer are here to help. Call today on 01245 326200.