Educational Institutions Determine own Heat-Related Policies - Schools autonomously determine appropriate actions to address summer heat conditions
In the face of soaring temperatures, schools in Saxony, Germany, are taking proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their students. The Ministry of Education in Saxony has confirmed that there are no uniform guidelines for adjustments on hot days, allowing schools some flexibility in managing heat stress.
One common measure taken by schools during heatwaves is the possibility of granting "hitzefrei" (heat day off). This discretionary leave allows schools to send pupils home if indoor temperatures become too high. This decision typically rests with the individual schools, providing them with the necessary autonomy to make informed decisions based on their specific structural conditions.
Schools in Saxony are not alone in their efforts to combat the effects of high temperatures. In some cases, relief measures such as water hoses and water tanks are used, as demonstrated by a Dresden primary school where boys and girls were given relief with a water hose and a water tank during afternoon care due to high temperatures.
Outdoor lessons, supervised project lessons, and even lessons held in forest or swimming pool settings are also possible adjustments. Supervision of students is a requirement for these alternative teaching methods to ensure the safety and well-being of the pupils.
Education Minister Conrad Clemens (CDU) has shown understanding for the difficult conditions in high temperatures. He believes that school leaders are best equipped to assess and handle the situation on a case-by-case basis. Clemens also acknowledged that it's not just students who find it difficult to concentrate in high temperatures.
The Ministry of Education in Saxony acknowledges that the situation can vary from school to school due to structural conditions. This understanding underscores the importance of local decision-making and the discretionary "hitzefrei" leave, allowing schools to reduce heat exposure risk by temporarily releasing students if indoor conditions become unsafe.
As the summer heat continues to rise, schools in Saxony will undoubtedly continue to adapt and innovate in their efforts to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for their students. These discretionary measures serve as a testament to the commitment of the education system in Saxony to prioritise the health and well-being of its students during extreme heat episodes.
[1] Source: Saxony Ministry of Education and Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Education
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