SEVERAL schools across Essex have announced planned closures or timetable changes due to the extreme heat weather warning.
A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of nearly 39C to Essex by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave expected to surpass the record for June of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat across the county, and even a rare red warning across parts of south and west Essex.
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Here are all the Essex schools which have shared that they will be closed or shutting early this week. This is not an extensive list as not all schools publicly announce closures, and more schools are expected to announce closures as leaders review temperatures and conditions.
Honywood School, Coggeshall
Honywood School in Coggeshall will finish early from Tuesday, June 23 to Friday, June 26, following the rare alert issued by the Met Office for later this week.
Pupils will finish at 1.10pm each day for the rest of the week.
Adjustments have also been made to the daily timetable to reduce lesson lengths and include more frequent breaks.
Southchurch High School
Southchurch High School in Southend will dismiss students at 2pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Woodlands School, Basildon
The school will shut at 12.30pm on Wednesday to allow all pupils enough time to get home safely to avoid when the weather peaks.
Food will still be available in the atrium for anyone who needs it and there will be provision for those who are unable to get home.
The school will review the temperature throughout Wednesday and see if they will have the same process for Thursday.
St Peter’s Primary School, Billericay
St Peter’s Primary School in Billericay confirmed it will shut on Wednesday afternoon, with pupils dismissed earlier than usual as temperatures are expected to reach dangerous levels.
Anglo European School, Ingatestone
The school has decided to move to remote learning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A spokesman for Anglo European School said: "We hope this will enable students to continue learning in a safer and more comfortable environment.
"Should you experience any issues accessing schoolwork, please email the school and we will do all we can to support you."
St Benedict's College, Colchester
St Benedicts, in Colchester, will finish at 1pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A limited provision will be available on site for students whose parents or carers request they remain in the college during the afternoon, only in exceptional circumstances.
Temperatures in many of classrooms and teaching spaces are forecast to reach levels that "make it increasingly difficult to provide a safe and effective learning environment".
Tabor Academy, Braintree
Tabor Academy in Braintree will close at 12.30pm on both Wednesday and Thursday giving students the opportunity to purchase a cold school meal before they leave if they choose to do so.
Year 6 transitions days will also finish early.
The school will have a limited provision for the most vulnerable children available up until the normal end of school day.
Shenfield High School
The secondary school near Brentwood is closed on Wednesday as it is covered by the Met Office's red weather warning, causing concern for health and safety. Remote education is planned.
Glenwood School, Benfleet
Glenwood School has carefully assessed the impact of the current weather conditions and the amber weather warning. As a result, students will finish at 1.15pm for the remainder of the week.
Bardfield Academy, Basildon
Due to other schools closing, Bardfield Academy has several staff members who cannot attend work due to child care issues. This includes the nursery and vulnerable children with EHCPs. A partial closure is planned as a result and remote education is planned for those affected.
Bocking Primary School, near Braintree
From Wednesday to Friday, parents and carers will have the option to collect their children early at 12.45pm.
Trinity Road Primary School, Chelmsford
Early years, Year 1 and Year 2 should be collected from 12.30pm while Years 3 to 6 should be collected from 1pm. Provision will remain available in school for those children who need it.
Westlands Community Primary School, Chelmsford
The school day has been adjusted with an early 12.15pm finish due to the extreme heat warning.
Maldon Primary School
Partial closure from 1.30pm on Wednesday due to red weather warning.
Stanway Primary School, Colchester
Poor ventilation throughout the school meant temperatures in classrooms yesterday were up to 30 degrees resulting in several children being adversely affected. The school is planning a partial closure on Wednesday with remote education.
The Belsteads School
Belsteads in Little Waltham is closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the "excessive predicted heat and having considered student welfare". Remote learning is planned.
