School disruption expected as heatwave continues

Schools are set to face further disruption on Friday as the ongoing heatwave forces yet more closures.

At least 13 schools closed early or were totally shut on Thursday, according to Essex County Council.

It comes as most of Essex remains under a red weather warning, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures could hit 38C (96.8F).

In a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the National Education Union (NEU) said the heat was "significantly" impacting children's studies.

There were six emergency school closures in Essex on Thursday, including Boreham Primary, De la Salle in Basildon and The Belsteads in Little Waltham.

Brentwood's Endeavour Co-operative Academy also shut, saying its air conditioning units were "working beyond capacity, resulting in poor ventilation".

"We have serious concerns [about] the health, safety, and welfare of our learners," it said.

Glenwood School in Benfleet has warned parents it will be closing at 13:15 BST on Friday due to the weather.

Other sites are expected to make similar decisions as temperatures exceed those experienced on Thursday.

The Met Office's red warning was imposed at midnight and will remain in place until 21:00.

Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, said school leaders were having to take "complex decisions at speed" to keep pupils and staff safe.

In his letter to Phillipson, he wrote: "Every school closure this week is a direct consequence of successive governments failing to invest in the UK's school estate."

Kebede urged the secretary of state to set out a timetable for when every school could receive adequate air conditioning units.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Phillipson said of the heat: "I know this is a struggle.

"The hot weather can be really difficult for children, for staff, but we are encouraging schools to try and stay open as a priority," she continued.

"Being in school is really important for children, especially vulnerable children. But all of this does underline the importance of making our schools fit for the future."

Phillipson said it was important schools were "better equipped" to deal with hot weather going forward.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.