Oxfordshire school closures have been deemed the 'safe and sensible option' by parents as the Met Office extends its 'extreme' red heat warning.
More than 130 schools and counting across the county have told Oxfordshire County Council of their full or partial closure from Tuesday (June 23), with an expected reopening date of Friday, June 26.
Temperatures are expected to reach 37C, perhaps rising to 40C in some places, while humidity remains high during the day and night, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts.
Extreme conditions, which will last until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 25, are also expected to significantly disrupt daily life, and rail and road travel.
The Department for Education advises schools to not normally close during hot weather, stating: "school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential", and that "hot weather can usually be managed safely."
This includes relaxing uniform rules, encouraging children to wear lose, light-coloured clothing, sunhats and sun cream with high protection.
Other adjustments include making rooms as ventilated as possible, keeping the heat out, reducing unnecessary heat, and hydrating.
In light of what the hottest June day on record yesterday (Wednesday, June 24), parents on the Oxford Mail Facebook page welcomed decisions to shut schools or in full during the three-day alert.
Many felt closure was the right call, saying health and wellbeing should come before attendance when children are stuck in hot, unventilated, non‑air‑conditioned classrooms.
Melanie Kinghan said: "[It is the] sensible option to keep kids and staff safe. Some schools opted for staying open, but for parents to pick up if cooler at home."
"Not all children and staff can regulate temperature", she added, "[Including], very young children, neurodivergent student and staff, people with chronic illnesses."
Another woman, Tracey, said: "When you have kids with health problems then you can understand, but to be in a boiling class room literally heat traps. No AC, no fans nothing then, yes being at home is cooler for all kids and parents should have a choice as they know their kids best."
Lu Lu said: "As some schools are not equipped with air conditioning, or other supplies, to keep children cool, schools should close."
Some schools which partly closed, gave parents the choice to pick their children up without their absences being logged as unauthorised.
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A former teacher of 24 years has called for "serious investment in schools" so they can cope with the heat.
"Having 30 children in one room, with limited opening windows, no fans or air conditioning can be a terrible experience", they said.
Parents unable to arrange childcare, or who think closures should be limited to the worst-affected schools, appear to be in the minority compared with those supporting precautionary closures and flexibility.
Leigh Wilkinson, a mum of three from Abingdon, said the Government should plan better ahead of heatwaves and invest in school air conditioning.
She said: "I fully understand them having to close, but when you have no help with childcare it makes it very difficult to find alternative options as some parents still have to work, especially single parent households where it is all put on one parent."
Comparisons are being drawn to the summer of 1976, which many Oxfordshire parents will remember.
Despite the record of 35.6C being broken in Surrey by 0.1C, the season is still regarded as the benchmark for British heatwaves.
Steve said: "We seem to be breeding snowflakes in this country, it's summer", while another said they "just got on with it and drank plenty of water".
This week's weather however, is set to exceed this record, with the UK edging close to its all-time high of 40.3C, recorded in 2022.
Andrew said: "When was the last time you remember 35C before the end of June? I do remember 1976, but that was a one-off and 50 years ago.
"Now we get 35C several times every year, and it will likely break 40C tomorrow, and we still have July and August to come."
