Reading schools that are closing early due to heatwave

The alert was issued today, Monday June 22, with the Met Office warning that temperatures could soar to 38 or 40 degrees.

The following schools have announced that they will either be closing or amending their timetable over the next few days.

The Hurst

The Hurst School on Brimpton Road, Tadley have announced that for the rest of the week, school will finish at 12:35pm.

In a letter sent to parents they said: "The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is always our leading leading priority, and unfortunately, due to the age of our school building and lack of air conditioning, internal temperatures are becoming increasingly difficult to manage and are no loner conductive to a safe and effective learning environment."

More:Red alert as 'exceptional' 40C heatwave to hit Berkshire and Buckinghamshire

Reading School

Reading School on Erleigh Road, Reading will reportedly be using online learning on both Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

King's Academy Prospect

The middle school on Cockney Hill, Reading will also be finishing early on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June. Their amended school day will finish at 12:40pm.

St Crispins

The high school on London Road, Wokingham, will also be finishing at 12:30pm on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

The Willows Primary School

The elementary school on Pyle Hill, Newbury has so far announced they will finish early tomorrow, June 23, at 12:30 but has not announced any further changes.

More:How to beat the heat: Advice from Met Office and Reading Borough Council

Churchend Primary Academy

The elementary school on Usk Road, Reading have said they will be closing at 12:00pm on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24, Thursday 25.

In a statement Churchend said: "Our current risk assessment is that Churchend Primary Academy will close at 12pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday due to the hot weather.

"However, we are monitoring the weather forecasts closely and may adapt our plans accordingly, depending on the predicted temperature for Wednesday and Thursday. The health and safety of the pupils and staff here at Churchend are paramount."

Piggot C of E School

The high school on Twyford Road, Reading, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Radstock Primary School

The elementary school on Rasdstock Lane, Reading will be closing at 1:15pm on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Maiden Erlegh School

The high school on Silverdale Road, Reading has said it will close at 1:30pm on Tuesday 23 June and then remain closed for Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Willow Bank Infant School

The elementary school on Duffield Road, Reading has said it will be closing at 12:15pm on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Southlake

The elementary school on Campbell Road, Reading will be closing at 1pm until Thursday 25 June.

River Academy

The high school on Richfield Avenue, Reading, is closing at 1:20pm on Tuesday 23 June and will be closed on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Gorse Ride Junior School

The elementary school has said there is optional early pick up at 12:30pm.

Katesgrove Primary School

The elementary school on Dorothy Street has said it will finish early on Tuesday 23 June and be closed on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25.

Oaktree School

The special education school on Winnersh Grove, Wokingham will be closed both Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Beechwood Primary School

The elementary school on Ambleside Close, Reading has said they will close at 1:00pm tomorrow, Tuesday 23 June.

The Department of Education has issued advice on if schools should close in the hot weather.

The DFE has said that children are more at risk of becoming ill with heat-related issues than adults.

In a statement they said: "During hot weather, we don't normally advise schools to close. This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.

"Schools should consider relaxing uniform rules during hot weather to make students more comfortable. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool sun hats and wide brims.

"Sunscreen with high sun protection factors should be used to protect skin. Teachers should also encourage students to take off their blazers and jumpers."

Further advice includes getting children to stay in the shade when outside. The Department of Health and Social care has also recommended children not take part in vigorous physical activity, and if possible top open classroom doors as well as windows to encourage cross ventilation.

The DHSC also said windows should be closed when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors. Equipment should not be left in standby as this generates heat.