Following the Governments red alert for the heatwave we will be experiencing over the next two days, the school are sharing the below information to try and keep safe during this period of time.
- Hydrate – Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Children will be encouraged to drink and refill their water bottles multiple times throughout the day.
- Dress appropriately – We are advising non-uniform for the next two days, encouraging children to wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing. Examples such as shorts are recommended rather than long trousers.
- Ventilation – Classrooms will have their windows open for the cooler parts of the day (morning) and will then be closed and blinds shut to try and keep out the hot natural air.
- No Physical Exercise – Children will not be engaging in physical exercise. Any scheduled PE sessions will be light movement such as yoga or cancelled to ensure children’s safety.
- Cold Lunches – We are offering cold lunches rather than hot to the children. This could be something like a sandwich with a piece of fruit or tub of ice cream
Below are signs and symptoms of heat related health issues to monitor in your children. Our staff will be constantly vigilant to ensure the safety of all children.
The signs of heat related medical conditions in children:
The signs of heat stress are:
- Children may seem out of character and show signs of discomfort and irritability. These signs can include those listed below for heat exhaustion and will worsen if left untreated leading to heat exhaustion and/or heatstroke
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
Signs of heatstroke include:
- high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F) is a major sign of heatstroke
- red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops
- fast heartbeat
- fast shallow breathing
- confusion/lack of co-ordination
- fits
- loss of consciousness
If a child is suffering from heat related illness these are the steps you should take
- Move the child to as cool a room as possible and encourage them to drink cool water (such as water from a cold tap).
- Cool the child as rapidly as possible, using whatever methods you can. For example, sponge or spray the child with cool (25 to 30°C) water – if available, place cold packs around the neck and armpits, or wrap the child in a cool, wet sheet and assist cooling with a fan.
- Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn’t respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes.
