A TEACHING union is calling for Jersey to create a “centralised” action plan for all schools when faced with hot weather over concerns about the welfare of students and staff.

The National Education Union’s local joint district and branch secretary, Adrian Moss, spoke to the JEP as temperatures surpassed Jersey’s previous June record of 33.4°C and – at the time of writing – were on track to beat the previous hottest day ever recorded in the Island (37.9°C) with a high of 38°C.

Today and Thursday are forecast to have highs of 37°C and 38°C respectively.

Mr Moss said that “fundamentally we are concerned about the welfare of students and staff” in such conditions, noting that “most of the school estate was not built to cope with the type of temperatures we are seeing”.

In a statement on Friday, the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department said: “Decisions on whether schools remain open or make any changes in response to the hot weather are taken by individual headteachers, who are best placed to assess their local circumstances.

“We have issued guidance to support schools during these conditions, and schools will communicate directly with parents and carers about any changes.”

Mr Moss noted that “schools are trying to cope as best they can”, with some remaining open and some closing early, but explained that the union wanted to see a “more universal, more Island-wide-based policy”.

He contended that having “a more centralised policy” would help ensure adjustments were made when temperatures reached a certain level and also “make things much more fair and balanced for students and staff”.

Yesterday, CYPES said that the department recognised that “periods of extreme heat can present challenges for schools, staff and pupils” and that “health, safety and wellbeing must always come first”.

It reiterated that: “Decisions on whether schools remain open or make any changes in response to the hot weather are taken by individual headteachers, who are best placed to assess their own environments and local circumstances.

“This includes considering classroom conditions, pupil needs, and staffing.”

The statement continued: “The department has issued guidance to support schools in managing these conditions, including practical measures such as adapting the school day, ensuring access to water, and making appropriate adjustments to activities where needed.

“We are in ongoing and daily communication with all schools regarding their operational plans during the hot weather.

“Where any changes are required, schools will communicate directly with parents and carers through their usual channels so families can plan accordingly.”

The statement added that CYPES was “grateful” to school leaders and staff “for their continued professionalism and commitment in balancing safety, learning and the needs of families during these challenging conditions”.

Asked whether she thought a more centralised policy was something CYPES could look at, d’Auvergne deputy head teacher Alexandra Wheaton said that “Essentially, it’s a ministerial decision”.

She noted that: “Each school has a different capacity to manage the needs in the building and it’s completely different based on pupil numbers.

“We’re obviously very large but we have a more modern site, so it might be easier for us or more difficult than a school that’s different, or older or has less children.”