Heatwave school attendance: What are your rights as a parent?

With meteorologists predicting significant temperature rises in the coming days, families and education settings alike are preparing for challenging conditions. Whilst there is no maximum temperature set in law at which schools must close, parents should understand the statutory framework governing attendance during heatwaves, as well as the health and safety obligations schools must observe. Unlike workplaces, where employees have rights to request adjustments when conditions become unsafe, the decision to authorise absence from school rests with headteachers on an individual basis. Local authorities and academy trusts typically advise schools to implement heatwave protocols—such as relaxing uniform policies, ensuring adequate ventilation, and scheduling outdoor activities for cooler periods—rather than closing entirely. Parents cannot unilaterally decide to keep children home without risking unauthorised absence penalties, unless specific medical vulnerabilities warrant exclusion supported by professional evidence. For education leaders, this period requires careful balancing of statutory attendance duties against safeguarding responsibilities. Schools must conduct risk assessments considering building infrastructure, availability of drinking water, and outdoor play safety. Where temperatures create genuine health risks, particularly for pupils with respiratory conditions or other vulnerabilities, discussions between parents, SENCOs, and pastoral staff should establish temporary arrangements that protect welfare whilst maintaining educational engagement where possible.