By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Schools and colleges across Croydon have told children not to come in at all or are closing early as temperatures reach new highs in the capital.
Despite no Government advice to shut schools, some have chosen to close.
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.
Some schools in Croydon, like Harris Academy in Purley, are closing early so children can travel home before the hottest part of the day. The school, in Kendra Hall Road, is closing at 1pm on Monday and Tuesday.
The same plan was in place for children at Coombe Wood School. The school said: “Schools have not been ordered to close but we have considered our own internal risk assessment.
Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form college are both switching to online lessons over the two days and advising students against travelling to the colleges.
An update from Norbury High School for Girls read: “Due to the exceptionally hot weather anticipated the school has taken the decision to close on Monday and close early on Tuesday, at 1.30pm. A temporary timetable will be in place and all students are expected to log on to Google Classroom for remote learning from 8.45am.”
Riddlesdown Collegiate also switched to online learning. The secondary school said: “Due to the red weather warning, we will move to remote learning for all students in Years 7-10 for Monday and Tuesday.”
John Ruskin College in South Croydon said: “As you may be aware there is currently a red weather warning out for London and the South East.
“In preparation for this heatwave, we have reviewed the advice from the MET office and the risks involved and have taken the decision to close both East Surrey College and John Ruskin College on Monday.”
Woodcote High School was closed on Friday due an issue with their fire alarms and chose to close again on Monday due to high temperatures.
Headteacher Kirstie Woodcock wrote in a letter: “The decision has been made to keep remote learning as the Met Office has issued a red warning of extreme heat.
“No students and staff will be allowed on site for health and safety reasons. Monday afternoon has been declared Monday fun day where teachers and students are not required to be online.”
The Met Office issued its first ever red warning for exceptional heat, which will be in place on Monday and Tuesday.
Pictured top: Croydon College (Picture: Flickr/Kake)
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