‘Unless they have aircon’ - Heated debate over whether Sheffield schools should close in temperatures
Sheffield residents debate whether schools should close to keep children safe during the current heatwave
South Yorkshire has been waking up to soaring temperatures of extreme heat which are amongst the warmest the region has ever experienced in the month of June.
In true British fashion, this has led to chaos such as trains being cancelled, offices closing, dog walkers having to change their routines and an increased demand for water for paddling pools, gardens and extra showers.
The Sheffield heatwave has also led to some schools such as Aston Academy informing pupils that they are allowed to wear a PE kit instead of their standard uniform while in other cases such as Hungerhill School in Doncaster they’ve even decided to close entirely due to the warm weather, describing it as ‘not safe for sustained teaching and learning’.
With all that being said, we decided to ask our Sheffield Star readers to share their thoughts on schools closing during the heatwave.
Chelsea Gante started the discussion by commenting: “Absolutely it’s too hot for school uniforms and they’re still children.”
Kelly Harris agreed, she said: “If there are no fans and air conditioning then yes.”
Jayne Wilson commented: “I think they should close because at certain temperatures factories close by law. Nobody works under certain temperatures.”
Jackie Ward added: “Definitely.”
Tracy Gold disagreed and claimed it could impact those still at work who’d have to leave work to look after their children. She explained: “Personally I say no. Does any other business close, because it’s too hot? No. So why should schools be any different? Plus the parents of the children may have jobs to go to and then who looks after the children? If it’s 30 degrees plus at school. It’s 30 degrees plus at home. Just make sure they have plenty of drinks.”
Kath Hattersley said: “No, they are much safer being in school.”
Alex Lamb added: “No. Stay hydrated and out of the sun and it's perfectly safe.”
Jayne Meenam commented: “We never stayed home.”
Lynsey Susan Johnson Adams agreed with the idea of sending children to school in their PE kit so they can better regulate their temperature. She commented: “Maybe letting them all go in PE kits would be a good idea. My child’s uniform is all black and she has to wear a blazer.”
Tracy Stott said: “Nope, however a relaxed uniform should be permitted.”
Elaine Booth argued: “Air con should be fitted in schools.”
Graham Lincoln said: “Yes, I think schools should prioritize student safety and well-being, and if that means closing when it's extremely hot, then that's what we should do.”
Richard J Allen added: “Yeah, why not? I don't subscribe to all this "I had to do it back in '43, so everyone must suffer" mentality. If things can be better for the younger generations then they should be. Why pass on generational misery.”