Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you that we have taken the difficult decision to close Rosehill School on
Friday 26th June due to the forecast of extreme heat. We anticipate reopening as normal after
the weekend on Monday 29th June.

As you are aware, temperatures have continued to increase throughout this week, and we have
worked extremely hard to put in measures to keep pupils comfortable and safe while continuing
their learning.

We have:

• Installed additional fans in classrooms
• Reduced any strenuous activities
• Been flexible regarding use of spaces, trying to access areas that are cooler, as far as possible
• Provided cool refreshments to pupils during lessons to help them stay cool
• Encouraged regular hydration throughout the day
• Implemented optional half day closure for families

Despite these measures, having reviewed classroom temperatures today, it is clear that we do
not have sufficient suitable learning spaces available to ensure that all pupils can learn safely
and comfortably.

We never take the decision to close lightly. However, local temperatures are forecast to reach
dangerous levels. Our school building retains heat rapidly, and for our pupil’s population, this
presents critical risks:

• Some of our pupils have complex medical profiles, physical disabilities, or take medications that severely impair their ability to regulate body temperature.
• Extreme heat causes severe distress, heightened anxiety, and physical discomfort for some children with specific sensory processing needs.
• Many local authority transport buses and taxis do not have adequate cooling systems, making prolonged travel unsafe during peak heat.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience for some families, but the safety and
wellbeing of our pupils and staff must remain our highest priority.

Learning during closure
Whilst pupils will not be attending the school, you can access activities online. Please follow this
link to explore activities for each department key stage.

Rosehill School - Home Learning (Remote Education)

There are a range of activities for children to take part in, such as writing, reading and
communication activities.

Free School Meals
Pupils in receipt of free school meals, will be provided with a voucher/ reimbursement for the loss of a free school meal on this day. The office team will contact parents in due course.

Staying Safe in the Heat Parents and carers are encouraged to follow NHS and government advice to stay safe during periods of extreme heat:

• Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
• Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool.
• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapply regularly, especially after sweating or spending time outdoors. Wear a hat where possible.
• Home Care: Keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun.
• Exertion: Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest periods of the day where possible.
• Checking In: Check regularly on young children, older relatives, neighbours, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.
• Medical Symptoms: If anyone experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, or weakness, they should move to a cool place, drink water, and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve.

Any urgent safeguarding matters, please follow this link to the school website Rosehill School - Safeguarding
Thank you for your understanding, resilience, and continued support as we work to keep our pupils safe.

Warm regards,

Cheryl Steele Headteacher