Academy chain keeps schools open ‘so parents can work’
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
As temperatures in the UK soar, an academy chain has vowed to keep schools open as “parents need to work”.
All Oasis schools in London will remain open during the heatwave, according to the academy trust’s founder.
Steve Chalke, the trust’s founder, said on Twitter: “Good news! All Oasis schools will remain open throughout the heatwave. Why? We’ve thought about how to keep all our students (and staff) as cool as possible. Many of our children’s homes are small and very hot. Our parents have to work to earn. Our job is to serve all our families.”
Oasis Community Learning runs 52 schools across the country, with 11 in London and five in Croydon. Mr Chalke’s announcement was met with a mixed response online.
One Croydon councillor, Sean Fitzsimons, said: “Steve, what about those pupils that have to travel home from school in the afternoon by public transport? Weather Forecast is 36c at 4pm. How are you keeping them safe and cool?”
But others praised Oasis’ decision with one saying: “Great attitude Steve. Common sense prevails.”
The Government has not told schools to close during the heatwave but has issued advice on how to keep children cool. This includes not doing “vigorous physical activity” in temperatures over 30C.
Record breaking temperatures are set to hit England over the next two days. On Monday temperatures in the capital are expected to reach 37C and on Tuesday the mercury will possibly rise to 40C, the highest temperature on record in the UK.
Scientists at the Met Office have said the 40C prediction is a clear result of climate change. Dr Nikos Christidis warned that the likelihood of extremely hot days is increasing.
The Met Office issued its first ever red warning for exceptional heat, which will be in place on Monday and Tuesday.
Chief meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “It is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”
Pictured top: Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Croydon (Picture: Google Street View)
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