Guidelines for Schooling in Baden-Württemberg Without Heat Involvement - Free heating provision for schools in Baden-Württemberg without cost to taxpayers
In the sweltering heat of summer, schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, are taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students. School principals have the authority to decide on heat-related early dismissals, but they follow guidelines set by the Ministry of Culture.
The Ministry recommends that schools consider granting early dismissals when the outdoor temperature reaches at least 25°C in the shade by 11:00 AM, and no earlier than after the fourth class period. This measure is designed to protect students from the harsh summer heat, especially during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Physical education teachers must take into account factors such as heat when planning lessons. Intense endurance exercises should not exceed 30 minutes or be undertaken at all during high temperatures. Students are advised to stay in the shade during breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and use sunscreen during physical education classes.
For teachers, a room temperature up to 26°C is acceptable. However, if it gets hotter, measures must be taken. Flexible working hours should be used to shift work to cooler times of the day, and accommodations such as closing blinds, providing table fans, and relaxing dress codes may be implemented.
At elementary schools, heat-related early dismissals have little impact, and schools must continue to care for their students. In elementary schools with extended care, children must still be supervised. However, at vocational schools and in the upper secondary level of grammar schools, students cannot be granted heat-related early dismissals.
School principals are advised to coordinate with neighbouring schools, and students who cannot walk home and rely on public transportation should be provided with accommodations until they can go home. If exams are cancelled due to heat, makeup dates will be scheduled.
The health and well-being of students are always the top priority in physical education classes. Access to drinking water must be guaranteed for students at all schools, and there are no nationwide regulations on school clothing, but some schools may have rules outlined in their school policies. These rules can be temporarily suspended during extreme heat.
It's important to note that decisions about school closures or early dismissals typically depend on regional policies and weather forecasts. For precise criteria in Baden-Württemberg, it would be best to consult local educational authorities or official government resources.
As the mercury rises this week, expect many schools in the primary and secondary levels, as well as elementary schools, to consider heat-related early dismissals to ensure the safety and well-being of their students.
Vocational training institutions in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, may not implement heat-related early dismissals due to their upper secondary level structure. However, the importance of education-and-self-development continues, and students are encouraged to seek learning opportunities during break periods, such as vocational training sessions, by staying in the shade, staying hydrated, and using sunscreen.
Although there are no specific dress code regulations at the national level, some schools may have dress codes outlined in their community policy, which could be temporarily suspended during extreme heat for the faculty's comfort and self-development in learning appropriate heat management strategies.
