Extreme weather - Early closure Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th

Dear Parents and Carers,
We are writing to inform you that, due to the forecast of extreme heat, St. John’s will be closing early at 12:45pm this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
This decision has not been made lightly and is in advance of the expected peak temperatures, with the safety and wellbeing of both children and staff as our highest priority. Current guidance advises that indoor rooms should be maintained at temperatures below 26°C. Unfortunately at St. John’s, we are unable to maintain temperatures below this level during the forecast heatwave. Classrooms are exposed to direct sunlight and retain heat throughout the day, making it difficult to keep temperatures within safe limits.
Similar conditions were experienced a few years ago and Acorn Education Trust has supported us to make this decision, reflecting on learning from that period as well as current guidance. This arrangement has been authorised by the Trust in order to ensure the safety of all.
Lunchtime will run as normal, with children being dismissed after they have had their lunch.
All children will need to be collected from their classroom doors on the playground as normal. The link corridor doors will be opened at 12.45pm so that you are able to collect your children immediately. If you need to make arrangements for collection, please ensure class teachers and the office are informed, as we can only dismiss children to people who are on their collection list.
Further to this, we will be making a change to Sports Day on Tuesday. We plan to bring the morning forward, with races beginning at 9.00am. You will be able to access the school field immediately after drop-off. The races will be finished by 11.00am. In the interests of safety, we will no longer be having a picnic lunch.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of exceptionally high temperatures. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update you if there are any further changes.
Kind regards,

Dan Hortop

Headteacher