Overview

• Schools in multiple UK regions are keeping children indoors during peak heatwave periods when playground surfaces become too hot to touch
• The World Wide Fund for Nature warns that tarmac and artificial turf intensify high temperatures and is campaigning for mandatory grass, soil and sand play areas
• Critics including former headteacher Chris McGovern argue that indoor confinement during heatwaves undermines children’s resilience, mental wellbeing and encourages screen time
• Tory MPs Greg Smith and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg have denounced the measures as excessive and say simple precautions like hats and sunscreen are more appropriate
• The WWF contends that replacing hard surfacing with natural materials would reduce overheating and flooding risks while boosting pupils’ concentration and health