Uniform rules are being relaxed at a number of schools as staff prepare for the impending heatwave.
With the Met Office issuing its first ever red weather warning for Monday and Tuesday, with a 'danger to life' alert, schools across Greater Manchester are preparing for the soaring temperatures.
Pupils at the Co-op Academy in Swinton, Salford, and Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Wigan, are among those being told they can wear their PE kit rather than uniform on Monday and Tuesday.
Read more: Met Office issues first EVER red weather warning for 'extreme heat'
Others are rescheduling events such as sports days and making plans to finish early on Monday when temperatures are expected to peak.
In a notice to parents, the Co-op Academy Swinton said: "As it is expected to reach excessive temperatures during Monday and Tuesday next week we are making a temporary adjustment to the requirements for uniform. Students may wear their correct academy PE kit to school on these days."
And a message to Fred Longworth parents, from headteacher Paul Davies, states: "Due to the predicted hot weather on Monday and Tuesday next week, students can attend school in full PE kit if they wish. This is not compulsory. If students wish to wear their normal uniform, they do not need to wear their blazer.
"Students should also try to stay hydrated and refill water bottles outside of lesson time. We would also recommend sun cream."
It comes after some schools were recently criticised over their uniform policies during the hot weather. Last month one parent called out Sale High School, in Trafford, for refusing to allow students to remove their blazers in the heat.
The mum said her child returned home 'dripping in sweat' and feeling ill and called for all schools to drop the draconian rule and consider the risks to children. After taking it up with the school, along with other parents, the pupils were eventually told they could take them off.
And just this week mum Vicki Thompson, from Stockport, said her son Dylon was 'isolated' at Werneth School after he turned up in shorts during the current heatwave. She blasted the “disgusting” policy, saying she found it 'ever so sexist and ridiculous in such temperatures'.
The school, however, said it had 'made very reasonable uniform allowances for the hot weather', with students being told they do not need to even bring jumpers or blazers in for the last two weeks of term.
In an update to schools on Thursday, the Government signposted heatwave guidance for teachers and other early years professionals, noting that children sweat less than adults and cannot regulate their body temperature as well, which puts them at risk of heat stress and exhaustion.
During heatwaves, teachers are advised to encourage pupils to wear loose clothing and sunhats 'with wide brims'. Staff should open windows as early as possible before pupils arrive in the morning to improve ventilation and should keep the use of electric light and equipment to a minimum.
Mechanical fans can be used when temperatures are below 35C but not at higher temperatures as they can make dehydration worse.
Has your child's school relaxed the uniform policy or rescheduled any events? Let us know in the comments here.
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