School Closing Decisions Amid Heatwaves: Identifying the Authorities in Germany Responsible for Determining Unsafe Temperatures for Education Institutions
In the sweltering heat of summer, German schools are taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. The rules for heat-free days, or Hitzefrei, vary from region to region, but the common goal remains the same: to protect students from excessive heat.
Schools in Germany declare Hitzefrei when conditions become unbearable, releasing pupils for the rest of the day or shortening lessons. This traditional practice allows schools to close early, usually for the afternoon, to shield students from the scorching sun. The decision to cancel or shorten lessons rests with the school administration, but they must follow guidelines.
Primary school children are more likely to be sent home due to excessive temperatures than secondary school children. This is because younger children are considered more vulnerable to heat and less able to handle physical stress in hot conditions. Schools often prioritize their welfare by shortening school hours or sending them home early when high temperatures are recorded.
Secondary school students, on the other hand, typically have stricter thresholds or fewer automatic early releases. Older students may continue classes with adaptations, such as "tropical schedules" featuring shorter school hours or additional breaks to cope with heat. Full Hitzefrei for secondary schools is less common and often depends on specific local regulations.
In terms of temperature triggers, schools may release students early if temperatures reach around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius in the shade, often measured by 10 a.m. or during the morning hours. However, these thresholds can vary by region.
Because education in Germany is regulated separately by each Bundesland, exact rules on Hitzefrei can vary, and schools often follow local educational authority guidelines. Therefore, parents and students are encouraged to check with their specific school or state ministry of education for precise rules.
It's important to note that parents are not entitled to keep their children at home due to hot weather, even if their child has a health condition that might be affected by the heat. Schools are obligated to provide supervision and lunch for younger students during heat-free days, even if parents can't leave work immediately or students are unable to return home.
As the mercury rises, schools take action when lessons are impaired by high temperatures. However, some schools may struggle to find available coverage if too many teachers call out on hot days. There is no nationwide temperature limit for granting heat-free days in German schools.
The number of sick days due to heat-related illness has been rising in Germany, with 92,700 cases reported in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous high in 2018. As temperatures soar this week, parts of Germany could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.
The official German advice for staying safe in a heatwave has not been provided in this article. It's also unclear whether there are any penalties for parents who keep their children at home without permission when schools are open, or if there are any financial implications for schools that grant heat-free days.
Exceptions to compulsory attendance due to hot or humid conditions for health reasons follow the normal rules on absences from school, and parents may be asked to provide a doctor's note. The heads of individual schools make the decision on whether to cancel or shorten lessons, not the state or district authorities.
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Schools in Germany, beyond ensuring student safety during heatwaves, also prioritize education-and-self-development by focusing on the general-news of heat-free days, or Hitzefrei. These days are announced when conditions become unbearable, and can lead to early release or shortened lessons, allowing students to cope with excessive heat while still receiving education. However, the specific rules for these days can vary across regions and are often guided by local educational authorities, requiring parents and students to check with their school or state ministry of education for precise rules.
