Educational staff association asserts: Minority of institutions ill-equipped to handle summer temperature spikes
In the midst of a current heatwave, temperatures in Gründau-Breitenborn, Hesse, and Bad Kissingen, Bavaria, have reached 34 degrees Celsius, indicating a prolonged heatwave across Germany and large parts of Europe.
As schools grapple with the challenges posed by extreme heat, expert recommendations emphasise the need for structural adaptations to better equip them for heatwaves. These measures include installing air conditioning and cooling systems, creating shaded or cooled indoor and outdoor spaces, and implementing early heat warning and communication systems.
The German Teachers' Association, in particular, is pushing for improved infrastructure such as effective ventilation and cooling solutions to protect students and staff. Schools should also develop heat action plans that include modified schedules to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat and provide guidelines for hydration and rest breaks. Establishing protocols aligned with occupational safety standards for workers (teachers and staff) is crucial to managing heat stress risks indoors.
Jasmina Hostert, the spokesperson for education in the SPD parliamentary group, has welcomed the demand to expand heat protection in schools using funds from the special budget. Jan van Aken, the leader of the Left party, has echoed this call, stressing the importance of investments to better protect schools from heat.
However, current school infrastructure in Germany leaves much to be desired. Many buildings, particularly those from the post-war period, offer little heat protection, according to Stefan Düll, the President of the German Teachers' Association. Insulation, ventilation, air purification, and air conditioning systems are lacking in many schools, and there are only a few drinking fountains in schools, with many playgrounds not providing enough shade.
Stefan Düll has emphasised that funds from the infrastructure budget should be used for school building renovation. Jasmina Hostert has underscored the significance of this issue, stating that it's not just about the well-being and health of children and young people, but also about good educational infrastructure.
The weather service predicts a slight cooling for the weekend, offering a brief respite from the heatwave. However, the need for long-term solutions to protect schools and their occupants from extreme heat remains a pressing concern.
[1] General Expert Recommendations on Heat Risk Reduction and Health Protection [2] Occupational Safety Standards for Workers (Teachers and Staff) in Heat Stress Scenarios
