THE head of a trust running multiple schools in Worcestershire has defended keeping them open despite warnings about record heat.

The Rivers Academy Trust has opted to keep its schools open on Monday (July 18) and Tuesday (July 19).

The trust runs 12 schools across the county including Northwick Manor Primary, Cherry Orchard Primary, Cranham Primary, North Worcester Primary and St Clements Primary - all in Worcester.

The schools will stay open - while others opted to shut after the Met Office issued an unprecedented red alert warning about temperatures reaching at least the late 30s - the highest on record for the UK.

Kate Brunt, CEO of Rivers Trust said she wanted to keep as many children in schools as possible during the hot weather as not all parents can take the time off work. 

She said: "If parents wish to keep their children off because of the heat, we're coding the absences as exceptional circumstances.

READ MORE: Live updates as Worcestershire braces for hottest day on record

"A lot of parents were really anxious about schools closing because some people can't get the time off work. 

"We have the facilities to keep children cool at school.

"I wanted to keep as many children as possible in school." 

However, Rivers Trust has told parents they will authorise any absences over the next two days due to the extreme weather conditions.

The school will also provide access to online learning for children at home.

Mrs Brunt said: "It's so important for children to have access to learning facilities, we have an online learning platform they can use during cooler times of the day. "

The school issued a letter to parents that said: 

"As you are aware, all of our schools have put in various measures to mitigate the risks of the forthcoming predicted extreme temperatures in order to keep our schools open at all. 

"I am writing to you to inform you that, if you wish to keep your child/children at home over the next few days, this absence will be recorded as authorised on this occasion. 

"If you are able to support your child to complete some work during cooler parts of the day, please find a range of suitable lessons on the Oak Academy Website.

"If you are not sending your child to school, please email the school to let them know."