There are plans to change the regulations on the organization of school work in hot weather, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said. For now, she encourages people to spend their free time outdoors – in forests and parks.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Education was asked by journalists whether she intends to introduce changes in the organization of school work during hot weather and whether legal regulations are being prepared.
In June I spoke with the Minister (of Family, Work and Social Policy – ed.) Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bakbecause the Ministry of Labor is the first to regulate the operation of workers (…), working conditions, including working conditions in difficult weather conditions – she replied Barbara Nowacka. The school is made up of students, but also of staff – teachers – she pointed.
We have a meeting scheduled with the minister – said the head of the Ministry of National Education. She informed that the tests are being carried out at the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy in-depth analysis on how to change the regulations so that “both when it is cold and there are regulations for that, and also in hot weather”that we see every day, like today, children, teachers, school staff were healthy and safe.
The Minister of Education said that for now she encourages, if possible, especially in the case of young children and preschoolers, to spend their free time outdoors – in forests and parks. This is a good time to get in touch with nature, after all classes can be taught under these conditions. – she added. At the same time, she urged people to avoid sun exposure and drink plenty of water.
Yes, we plan to change the regulations. The Ministry of Labor will be the first, we will be the next, using their research and experience. – summarized the Minister of Education.
In the forecast for Wednesday, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management specified the maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. The directors of educational institutions in the Myślibórz commune (West Pomeranian Voivodeship), with the consent of the mayor, reduced classes from 45 to 30 minutes on Wednesday due to high temperatures.
They propose to keep it that way until the end of the week, because school buildings are very hot, the temperature in classrooms is 30-32 degrees C. IMWM issued for the province. West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 2 degrees heat warning.
Also directors of some schools in Gorzów Wlkp. Due to the high temperature, they decided to shorten the class by a quarter of an hour and change the class schedule.
Education legislation and occupational health and safety regulations allow for shortening or cancelling classes in justified cases. The decision is made by the school principal, after consultation with the so-called governing body, i.e. the commune (commune head, mayor, chairman) or poviat (starosta).
The Minister of Education’s regulation on safety and hygiene in schools and public and private facilities only specifies rules of conduct in low temperatures, there are no regulations regarding conduct during hot weather.
According to the regulations, the temperature in classrooms cannot be below 18 degrees Celsius. The principal suspends classes and notifies the managing authority. The principal is also obliged – from the third day of suspension of classes – to provide students with the opportunity to learn remotely. The regulations also establish that if the outside temperature, measured on two consecutive days at 21, is equal to or below minus 15 degrees Celsius, the principal of the institution may suspend classes with the authorization of the managing authority.
