Don't punish schools for heat-alert opening - head

A West Midlands school principal has called for a "level playing field" after he said his school would be "penalised" for staying open during last week's red warning for extreme heat.

Sukhjot Dhami, from Beacon Hill Academy, in Sedgley, said many parents chose to keep their children off school due to the heat, estimating his school had taken a 20% attendance hit.

"Unfortunately, schools like Beacon Hill Academy will be penalised for it because it will count towards our attendance figures," he said.

Dhami said it was his view that on special occasions, like last week, "the government should suspend attendance figures".

The BBC has contacted the Department for Education for comment.

"Schools that do blanket closures won't have their attendance affected because it's a school closure, and therefore they're not at a disadvantage," Dhami continued.

"But I genuinely believe keeping the school open is the safer option and we're doing it because it's the right thing to do."

The principal said last week's weather warning was the first time he had been in that position in his 22 years at the school.

But in response, the staff at the school arranged to put on a "whole load of treats" to keep the students cool in the heat.

"We've put on a mist tunnel, which learners have absolutely enjoyed, we've been giving away free ice creams, and we've created 'Beacon on the Beach'," he said.

"They've also been doing pluck a duck and if they get a gold duck they've got a free ice cream - everyone has loved the atmosphere."

He added: "We've found that attendance has actually gone up each day because those that are at home are seeing what we're doing at school and wanting to come in and join in with the fun, whilst also being able to carry on with their education.

"I hope this week has given [parents] the reassurance that sending them to school is the right thing to do, it's the safe thing to do, and in terms of their educational experience it's important that students are in school as much as they can be.

"I hope what we have done this week makes them feel more comforted by the fact we've got measures in place.

When asked about his opinions on other schools closing, he said: "I'm in a very fortunate position where we've been able to [stay open].

"I'm not criticising any head that has to close their school or has to enforce a half day. I think it has to be done on an individual case by case basis.

"What I do, however, think is that local authorities and the government should suspend attendance figures for this week because it will be penalising schools like us that have done the right thing.

"I don't think it is a fair playing field for certain schools that haven't been open for whatever reason."

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