After a heatwave that’s lasted for over two weeks, it will finally reach a climax in Harrow tomorrow and Tuesday with temperatures set to hit the late 30s.
Most schools across the borough have issued guidance to parents in line with the Department for Education (DfE) with schools to remain open on both Monday and Tuesday.
Some schools have stated that they are finishing at midday on both days to allow pupils to get home before the hottest part of the day.
On Wednesday the temperature will be cooler, but still very warm, even for July, and we wanted to find out if residents feel that schools should close under these conditions.
After asking the Harrow Online Group, we’ve compiled some of the responses below…
“If parents want to keep their children off school and can afford to take some time off work to accommodate that, then that’s their right as a parent to do so.
Not everyone will be so lucky to be able to afford time off work to keep their children home.”
“Yes I believe that if it’s possible for parents to be at home they should definitely keep there children at home – the heat is ridiculous and schools don’t have air conditioner in classroom, yes they may have fans but all they do is push hot air around and with 30 to a class is unfair. Also, as it’s going to be hot the children will most likely not get break times so shall be inside a hot stuffy room all day apart from coming out to eat lunch.”
“We are all snowflakes if we think schools should close, they don’t in the winter and I live in Harrow on the Hill, it get so cold and the schools don’t close then and nor should they now.”
“Lots of people have not been coping well in this heat including myself. Our homes and most buildings are not equipped to deal with this weather. I’m not able to concentrate well in this heat and feel lethargic so I’m guessing it’s probably same for kids. Best for parents to decide if they want to send their child in. If kids are going to school and there is no adequate cooling system then lots of iced drinks and perhaps informal lessons.”
“I do think schools should remain open but relax on the uniform and close early. Parents that want to keep their young ones home, should. Everyone needs to do what they think is right for their family, without pressure from anyone. Bills still have to be paid and food put on our table. And, fyi, My children will be at school… keep hydrated peeps.”
“My little ones going in school has assured us aircon in all classes, extra water and shady playtime they are lucky to have lovey old big trees in the playground, so better than at home,, my older ones just finish early and go in pe kit I’m not sure that’s enough with the heat.”
“Of course schools should be open, it’s not a choice to send kids to school or not and we, as parents, have a responsibility to ensure they are at school – sometimes that means in extreme weather conditions. They will be ok, yes it’s hot, but we’ll get through it!.”
“I don’t think it’s fair to children to even think of sending them in, why? It’s the end of term this week anyways and they’ll probably just be sat around doing nothing to enhance their learning anyway (I remember watching movies and playing games at the end of term). So if it was exam time then I would say of course take them in but it’s not so I say they should of closed.”
“If schools are closing at lunchtime, won’t the children be traveling during the hottest times?”
“At the end of the day it’s Summer isn’t it? And just because it’s 40c doesn’t mean it will feel like it.”
“It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, TfL are telling people to only travel if absolutely necessary yet schools are still telling parents to take kids to school AND it’s the end of term, like wtf? I don’t understand at all.”
