School Early Closure

Following careful consideration and consultation, Oaklands School will close early at 12:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday this week due to the forecast extreme temperatures and the current Red Heat Health Alert.

This decision has not been made lightly. We fully recognise that, for many of our children and young people, school provides a safe, familiar and highly supportive environment. We also understand the impact that an early closure may have on families and appreciate the inconvenience that this may cause.

Over recent days, we have undertaken a detailed assessment of the risks posed by the forecast temperatures. Advice and guidance have been sought from the Local Authority and Government agencies, and we have carefully considered our responsibilities to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Whilst we have implemented a range of measures to reduce the impact of the heat, including the use of shaded outdoor spaces, air-conditioned areas and adapted activities, the forecast conditions present additional challenges for many of our pupils. As a specialist SEND setting, we support a significant number of children and young people who may have complex medical needs, difficulties regulating their body temperature, sensory processing differences or challenges communicating discomfort. These factors increase the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

The decision to close at 12:30pm on both days has therefore been taken as a precautionary measure to minimise these risks whilst ensuring that pupils can continue to access education during the cooler part of the day.

The Local Authority taxi companies have confirmed that they can facilitate pupil collection at 12:30 on Wednesday and Thursday.

Thank you for your understanding, support and cooperation. As always, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and wider school community.

Your Sincerely,

Phil Chivers

Headteacher