Schools are considering measures including closing early, allowing pupils to wear PE kit or rescheduling sports days to cope with rising temperatures next week. Councils across Wales say they are monitoring the situation and are in regular contact with schools.
It's understood that most schools would like to remain open but that the situation is being monitored in case the forecast worsens. In areas of England where there is a "red" danger to life heat warning, several schools have already announced they will close.
The Met Office has issued an "amber" warning for heat on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in Wales stating that this could pose a danger to life, while temperatures may exceed the 2019 record of 38.7C.
Read more : Follow live weather updates from Met Office and BBC Weather
The Welsh Government is not saying that schools should close but it is working with the education sector to share the advice that can be given. They have said that schools will have to consider how they prepare for the two days that are in the warning.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Chris Jones, said: "Advice is being provided to schools and childcare settings to deal with the extreme heat, including avoiding vigorous physical activity and maximising shade and ventilation. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing if possible, wear hats outdoors and drink plenty of water." Read more about what he had to say here.
In some local authority areas , like Powys, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, pupils have already started their summer holidays. Monmouthshire Council, where the temperatures are set to be the highest in Wales, said that during discussions on Friday morning, all schools said that they wanted to stay open.
A spokeswoman said: "All schools agreed that they wish to remain open and follow the Public Health Wales advices of ventilation, using shade, adapting uniform and ensuring regular hydration."
Schools are subject to the same regulations as workplaces. This means that although there is a minimum temperature a building must be for work or study to take place, there is no maximum.
Schools are responsible for the day-to-day welfare of children on their grounds, adhering to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. These say: "During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable," this includes schools the HSE explains.
Employers and therefore also schools, have to provide "clean, fresh air" as well as keeping temperatures at a comfortable level. Additionally, they are expected to provide adequate shade and deploy special measures when necessary. This can mean fans or portable air conditioning.
Schools have relaxed uniform rules and adjusted timetables in order to cope with the heat. Here is the response from councils across Wales:
Cardiff
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Our schools have been advised to follow guidance from Public Health Wales around hot weather and with support from the Council, will ensure mitigations are in place for their individual setting. Measures such as additional fans will be provided to help ventilation where required and advice around hydration and ways to stay cool will be communicated to school communities. Schools will also communicate directly with parents and carers should there be any changes to the school day.”
Powys
Schools in the county have already closed for the summer holidays.
Merthyr
The council has issued public health guidance to schools along with the information from the Education Director at Welsh Government.
A spokeswoman said: "At the moment there are no intentions to ask schools to close, but are continuing to monitor the situation."
Monmouthshire
The council met with its schools on Friday to discuss the forecast weather ahead of next week.
A spokeswoman said: "All schools agreed that they wish to remain open and follow the Public Health Wales advices of ventilation, using shade, adapting uniform and ensuring regular hydration.
"We will continue to monitor the circumstances and liaise with schools as appropriate."
Vale of Glamorgan
The council has shared Public Health Wales guidance on looking after children in extreme hot weather with all schools in the local authority area.
A spokesman said: "The guidance advises how to maintain a cool and safe learning environment for children and staff."
Blaenau Gwent
A spokesman said: "We have no plans to shut our schools."
Ceredigion
Schools in the county close on Friday (July 15) so will not be affected.
Pembrokeshire
Schools in the county close on Friday (July 15) so will not be affected.
Conwy
A spokeswoman for the council said: "All Conwy schools will operate in line with Welsh Government’s guidance on dealing with extremely hot weather, and will be monitoring the situation carefully."
Bridgend
A spokesman for Bridgend County Borough said: "We have provided all schools with formal guidance from Public Health Wales and Welsh Government in respect of next week’s weather conditions.
"Schools are referring to this as they assess their own individual circumstances. Headteachers are determining themselves whether adjustments may be necessary, and schools are informing pupils and parents directly."
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