NEWBRIDGE-on-Wye Church in Wales Primary School has announced that it IS remaining open today – but it has said it fully supports parents and guardians if they want to keep children at home.
The village school is one of the Powys schools that is remaining open on Thursday (June 25), with 47 of the county’s 90 or so schools closed, either partially or fully, during what is predicted to be a record-breaking day for high temperatures in Powys during June.
“We are open as normal today and look forward to welcoming everyone into school,” said the school, in a Facebook post this morning.
“We understand that some parents may prefer to keep their children at home for their own wellbeing during this hot weather, and we will fully support those decisions.
“If you feel your child would benefit from finishing earlier, parents are welcome to collect from 1.15pm, as temperatures tend to rise significantly in the afternoon.”
The shutting of schools comes as the UK could reach temperatures of 40C on Thursday. It comes after the Met Office issues a rare red weather warning for extreme heat on Monday, with the warning coming into force on Wednesday and extended yesterday to run up to midnight tonight.
To put this in context, it is only the second time the Met Office has issued a red warning for extreme heat.
READ MORE: Dozens of Powys schools close their doors as heatwave peaks
Several places, such as Machynlleth, Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye and Brecon are predicted to reach 35C.
This means Powys could be breaking a June record. The previous highest temperature recorded in the county during June was in Machynlleth in 2000, at 33.7C.
In its post, Newbridge Primary School added: “To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, please ensure: children bring plenty to drink; sun hats are worn; sun cream is applied before school, with some provided to top up during the day; children wear light, comfortable clothing.
“School staff will continue to monitor conditions closely and review risk assessments throughout the day to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
“Please also remember there will be no after school club this evening and we have had to make the decision to postpone the year 3 and 4 concerns.
“For those children that won’t be joining us today please remember your sun safety and water safety lessons and stay safe and hydrated in this heat.”
We reported yesterday evening that 35 schools in Powys had been put down on Powys County Council’s list of schools that would be closed, either fully or partially, today.
Overnight, that number has shot up to 47, meaning around half of the county’s schools are still open today.
For a full list of school closures, visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
Share