Trust closes all 25 schools due to extreme heat

All 25 schools run by a trust in the West Midlands are set to close for two days for the health and safety of pupils and staff during the extreme heat, staff say.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) said all their schools fell in the area covered by a red-health alert for Wednesday and Thursday and they have considered measures such as partial closures and early finishes.

But they concluded that "it is in the best interests of our pupils' and colleagues' health, safety and wellbeing to close our schools on these days", a trust spokesperson said.

The multi-academy trust has schools in Birmingham, Coventry, north Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

A red extreme heat warning has been issued across parts of England and Wales from Wednesday morning to Thursday evening, meaning there is a danger to life.

"In line with Department for Education expectations, we have reviewed the alert, conducted local risk assessments and considered the specific circumstances of our school sites," the spokesperson said.

The schools, which include 24 schools and one teaching school, have more than 10,000 students in total and more than 1,500 members of staff, according to the trust's website.

"We appreciate the disruption this may cause for some families and to minimise this, home learning resources will be provided," the spokesperson added.

"Schools are also making arrangements to support vulnerable children and families who may require additional assistance."

The trust said they would continue to monitor conditions closely and would keep its school communities updated.

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