EPA guidance regarding the predicted heatwave

Eynsham Partnership Academy
Heatwave Preparation Guidance – Primary Schools
Summer 2022
Eynsham Partnership Academy schools closely monitor guidance from the DfE and Oxfordshire County Council about the potential impacts of weather conditions on children and staff safety and comfort. As heatwaves become more frequent in our climate we need preparation for ‘extreme heat events’ to be clear.
Being prepared in school
• Access to drinking water – children are asked to ensure they have a water bottle that can be refilled easily either in or just outside their classroom. Where possible schools have additional drinking water available
• Clothing – PE kit, including shorts and short sleeved tops are worn by pupils rather than keeping to normal school uniform rules
• Playtimes – non-active play in the shade of trees, buildings and hedges is encouraged. Hats must be worn at all times
• Outdoor sport activities are reduced
• Increase ventilation – ensuring all windows are open – and if available fans are made available
• Schools will identify the coolest most ventilated area in the school – children can be directed to this area if they become ‘overheated’
• All staff are aware of NHS guidance about the signs, symptoms and treatment of heat exhaustion and heatstroke (see below)
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Check for signs of heat exhaustion
• a headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• being very thirsty
The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, but children may become floppy and sleepy.If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down.
Things you can do to cool someone down
1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
3. Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.
Stay with them until they're better. They should start to cool down/feel better within 30 mins Immediate action required:Call 999 if any signs of heatstroke: • feeling unwell after 30 mins of resting in a cool place & drinking plenty of water • not sweating even while feeling too hot • a high temperature of 40C or above • fast breathing or shortness of breath • feeling confused • a fit (seizure) • loss of consciousness • not responsive Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly. Put person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you're waiting for help.
Preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke
There's a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise. To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
• drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing
• sprinkle water over skin or clothes
• avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
• avoid extreme exercise
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This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
Keep an eye on children and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they're more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke