Schools may receive maximum temperature guidelines to address heatwaves, according to Bridget Phillipson. The Education Secretary expressed willingness to assess schools’ needs following last week’s unprecedented heat levels, prompting calls from teaching unions for temperature limits in classrooms.
Phillipson referenced the Education Estates Strategy from February, outlining the government’s decade-long plan to enhance school infrastructure and ensure resilience to climate variations. When questioned about potential maximum temperatures for schools, she emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable learning environment amidst temperature fluctuations and recent hot weather challenges.
She highlighted the necessity for school buildings to adapt to climate changes and future-proof themselves. Phillipson affirmed ongoing investments to enhance existing schools and construct new, climate-resilient educational facilities.
In response to concerns about rising energy costs due to global events, Phillipson mentioned plans to expand solar panel installations and optimize energy procurement processes in schools.
Pepe Di’Iasio, from the Association of School and College Leaders, supported the idea of setting a maximum working temperature for schools, stressing the increasing challenges of overheating buildings during summers.
Daniel Kebede, representing the NEU teaching union, echoed the call for a maximum working temperature, advocating for investments in heat-resilient schools equipped with air conditioning to safeguard learning and ensure safety and comfort for students and staff.
Official reports indicate that 32% of schools have experienced overheating in at least one building, underscoring the urgency for climate-resilient school infrastructure. Department for Education risk assessments suggest that extreme heat events could disrupt learning on several days annually unless schools adapt to rising global temperatures.
To address these challenges, a £710 million program was launched as part of the estates strategy, aimed at upgrading school and college buildings to withstand climate change impacts and operate efficiently for years to come, aligning with net-zero emission goals.