The Bay CE School has defended its handling of last week’s record-breaking heatwave after parents raised concerns about pupils’ welfare during the period of extreme temperatures.
Last Wednesday and Thursday saw temperatures on the Isle of Wight reach as high as 39c, prompting schools and businesses across the Island to implement measures to cope with the exceptional conditions.
While The Bay remained open throughout the heatwave, some other Island schools, including Medina College and Carisbrooke College, took the decision to close for 2 days.
Island Echo was contacted by several parents following the extreme weather, who questioned a number of decisions made by the Sandown secondary school during the hottest part of the week.
Among the concerns raised were allegations that some pupils were not permitted to refill their water bottles during lessons and were instead told they had to wait until breaktime or lunchtime.
Parents also claimed pupils were required to take part in PE lessons despite the soaring temperatures, while after-school clubs and extracurricular sporting activities were cancelled because of the heat.
Further concerns included allegations that some pupils were refused permission to leave lessons to use the toilet despite being encouraged to stay hydrated, while others were allegedly threatened with isolation if they failed to change out of their PE kit and back into full school uniform, including a blazer.
Island Echo also received allegations relating to changing arrangements following PE lessons, with claims that a small number of female pupils were required to change back into their uniforms at the rear of a classroom in view of classmates, including boys and a teacher.
Parents also questioned the decision to postpone a planned school trip to Chessington World of Adventures on Friday, when temperatures had fallen significantly from those experienced earlier in the week.
In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for The Bay CE School has told Island Echo:
“The welfare of our pupils and staff is our highest priority. During the recent period of exceptionally hot weather, we followed Department for Education guidance, which is clear that schools should remain open and not routinely close due to high temperatures.
“We recognise the conditions have been challenging and have taken appropriate steps to support pupils throughout the school day. A small number of concerns have been raised directly with us, and these have been considered and responded to individually.
“Staff were reminded to ensure pupils had regular access to drinking water and could use toilet facilities when needed. We encouraged pupils to stay hydrated at all times, and any suggestion that this was routinely restricted does not reflect the guidance given to staff.
“PE lessons continued where appropriate but were adapted to the conditions, with activities modified, reduced in intensity, or moved indoors or into shaded areas. Decisions to cancel after-school activities were taken separately.
“Uniform expectations were relaxed in line with national guidance to support pupil comfort while maintaining a consistent standard across the school.
“We are aware of allegations relating to changing arrangements for a small number of pupils. While we cannot comment further on individual matters, we expect pupils’ dignity and privacy to be respected at all times.
“All educational visits were subject to risk assessment and, where necessary, trips were postponed rather than cancelled. These decisions were taken with pupil safety as the overriding priority.
“We remain committed to providing a safe and supportive environment and thank our school community for their cooperation during this period of unusually hot weather.”
The school said the concerns raised directly with it had been considered and responded to on an individual basis.
