NSW: Govt releases guide for protecting school kids in the heat

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
NSW: Govt releases guide for protecting school kids in the heat

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Schools in very hot areas could start the day earlier under new
government guidelines to protect students.

NSW Education Minister and Deputy Premier Andrew Refshauge said extreme weather in
parts of NSW had made school operations difficult over the past week for students and
staff.

The new guidelines would give principals a range of options to assist staff and support
students in such conditions, he said.

Variation of normal teaching programs and the use of shady and cool outdoor facilities
were among the options.

A spokeswoman for the minister said this included the possibility of starting the school
day early in districts where temperatures reached 40 degrees celsius.

"We live in the driest continent in the world and dealing with extreme temperatures
is a common occurrence - particularly in country and remote areas," Dr Refshauge said
in a statement.

" ... I want principals to have the flexibility to work with their local P & Cs, and
find a commonsense solution that works for the entire school community."

Other options included:

* Rotating the use of air-conditioned facilities where they were available.

* In extreme circumstances, a principal could contact their regional director if they
believed it was necessary to close a school.

* Avoidance or postponement of vigorous physical activity, including outdoor sport
and physical education, that might put students under undue stress.

* Use of fans and water sprays.

* Providing water bottles in the classroom or playground.

Dr Refshauge said the guidelines would go to all the 2,200 government schools in NSW.

The spokeswoman said it was the first time a set of guidelines had been issued on dealing
with extreme heat in schools.

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KEYWORD: HEAT

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